Patent ID: 7303548
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks, said introducer assembly comprising: a. a needle assembly comprising an elongated hollow tubular needle having a proximal end attached to a needle hub, a distal end extending therefrom, and a lumen running therebetween, said needle having a groove disposed on an outer surface thereof between said distal and proximal ends; b. a protector including a hollow member having an open distal end, and a clip mounted to said hollow member, said clip having a resilient leg extending into said hollow member, said protector is coaxially slidably disposed around said needle with said resilient leg abutting said outer surface of said needle, wherein said clip is U-shaped to define a pair of resilient legs, each such leg extending into said protector hollow member; and c. a catheter assembly comprising an elongated hollow tubular catheter having a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom, said catheter coaxially disposed about said needle, said catheter hub having a retainer for keeping said protector within said catheter hub until said catheter assembly and needle assembly are separated wherein said resilient leg engages said groove and secures said protector to said needle such that said open distal end of said protector is distal to said distal end of said needle.