Patent Description:
Various exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to catheters.

Catheter assemblies are used to place a catheter properly into the vascular system of a patient. Once in place, catheters such as intravenous catheters may be used to infuse fluids including normal saline, medicinal compounds, and/or nutritional compositions into a patient in need of such treatment. Catheters additionally enable the removal of fluids from the circulatory system and monitoring of conditions within the vascular system of the patient. Document <CIT> discloses an exemplary catheter assembly.

The invention relates to a catheter assembly as defined in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined within the dependent claims.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a catheter assembly in which an improved clip and needle shield are used for needle protection. The improved arrangement is more compact, provides increased needle protection, and reduces the size and complexity of the catheter assembly. The addition of a release notch in a collar of a catheter hub and disengagement of the clip via the notch allows the needle shield to be more compact than in the prior art. In the prior art, without the notch, the clip has to travel a longer distance to disengage the catheter hub. In addition, the width of the needle shield is reduced by an improved attachment interface between the clip and the needle shield. Specifically, a spade attaches the clip to the needle shield with an outer surface of the spade exposed to an outside of the needle shield.

It is also disclosed catheter assembly comprising a catheter, a needle having a sharp distal tip disposed in the catheter, a catheter hub housing the catheter and the needle, the catheter hub having a notch, a needle shield connected to the catheter hub when the needle is in a first position, and a clip disposed in the needle shield that cooperates with the needle, wherein the clip engages the collar in the first position of the needle, the clip disengages the collar via the notch when the needle is retracted to a second position to enclose at least a portion of the needle.

It is also disclosed a catheter assembly comprising a catheter, a needle having a sharp distal tip disposed in the catheter, a catheter hub housing the catheter and the needle, a needle shield configured to be connected to the catheter hub, and a clip disposed in the needle shield that cooperates with the needle, the clip including a spade that attaches the clip to the needle shield, wherein an outer surface of the spade is exposed to an outside of the catheter assembly.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention can be achieved by further providing a method (not claimed) of operating a catheter assembly comprising disposing a needle having a sharp distal tip in a catheter, biasing a clip when the needle is in use in a first position, removing the needle from a catheter hub having a notch, releasing the clip when the needle is in a second position to enclose at least a portion of the needle, and disengaging the clip from the collar via the notch when the needle is in the second position.

The above aspects and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the description for the exemplary embodiments of the present invention taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The catheter assembly disclosed herein is an improvement over that disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrate a catheter assembly <NUM> includes a hollow metal introducer needle <NUM>, a catheter hub <NUM>, a needle hub <NUM>, and a needle shield <NUM>. The needle <NUM> has a sharpened and beveled distal end and initially extends through the needle shield <NUM> and the catheter hub <NUM>. A flexible catheter tube <NUM> extends from the distal end of the catheter hub <NUM>, with the introducer needle <NUM> passing through the catheter tube <NUM>. Initially, the needle <NUM> is inserted into a patient's vein. The catheter tube <NUM> is carried by the needle <NUM> into the vein. After the catheter tube <NUM> is inserted, the needle <NUM> is removed from the patient's vein and the catheter hub <NUM>. The needle shield <NUM> encloses the tip of the needle <NUM> and provides protection from being stuck by the needle <NUM> during and after the needle's retraction from the catheter hub <NUM>. The needle shield <NUM> can be used with a variety of different catheters.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the catheter assembly includes the catheter hub <NUM> and the flexible catheter tube <NUM> extending from the catheter hub <NUM>. A metal wedge <NUM> is positioned in the catheter hub <NUM> to retain the catheter tube <NUM>. A resilient septum <NUM> is positioned to control fluid flow through the catheter hub <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> is moveably positioned in the catheter hub <NUM> to engage the septum <NUM>. A biasing member <NUM> engages the actuator <NUM> to bias the actuator <NUM> in the proximal direction.

The resilient septum <NUM> has one or more pre-formed slits which are normally closed to selectively prevent unwanted fluid flow through the septum <NUM>. For example, the septum <NUM> can have three slits forming three triangular flaps that open when engaged by the actuator <NUM>. The septum <NUM> is made from an elastic material, for example silicone rubber, that provides the resilient closing force for the slits. Other septum <NUM> configurations may be used as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The actuator <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM>, for example a metal or plastic compression spring, are positioned in the catheter hub <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> engages the septum <NUM> to open the slits and permit fluid flow through the catheter hub <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is capable of returning the actuator <NUM> to a position that allows the slits to close, preventing fluid flow through the catheter hub <NUM>.

As best shown in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the catheter hub <NUM> includes a proximal end having external Luer thread <NUM> and a notched collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> extends around at least a portion of the catheter hub <NUM> and is preferably disposed at a proximal end of the catheter hub <NUM>. The collar <NUM> has a break, opening or notch <NUM> separating first and second ends of the collar <NUM>.

A portion of the collar <NUM> includes an outer diameter that is greater than a portion of an outer diameter of the catheter hub <NUM> adjacent to the collar <NUM>. Specifically, a portion of the outer diameter of the collar <NUM> is elevated with respect to the adjacent outer diameter surface of the catheter hub <NUM>. Additionally, the opening <NUM> of the collar <NUM> has an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than a portion of an outer diameter of the catheter hub <NUM> adjacent to the collar <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the needle shield <NUM> includes an outer housing <NUM>, a resilient clip <NUM>, and a washer <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> includes an aperture having a distal opening <NUM> and a proximal opening <NUM> to receive the needle <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> connects to the catheter hub <NUM> and surrounds the clip <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the distal end of the outer housing <NUM> includes a nose <NUM>, a top flange <NUM>, and a base <NUM>. When the needle shield <NUM> is connected to the catheter hub <NUM>, the nose <NUM> extends into the interior of the catheter hub <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the nose <NUM> is sized to be slightly smaller than the interior of the catheter hub <NUM> so as to fit with a loose tolerance. The top flange <NUM> is spaced from the base <NUM> by a pair of side recesses that receive the Luer threads <NUM> and prevent rotation of the catheter hub <NUM> with respect to the needle shield <NUM> when assembled. The base <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> having a curved top surface and curved cut-out portion <NUM>. The projection <NUM> is sized to fit in the opening <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and the cut-out portion <NUM> is sized to allow the collar <NUM> to pass therethrough.

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the clip <NUM> is a substantially V-shaped resilient clip <NUM> having a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM> connected by an angled or curved V section <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> includes a substantially U-shaped spade <NUM> having an angled lead-in portion <NUM>. The spade <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM> and an inner wall <NUM> connected by a bottom <NUM>. A pair of barbs <NUM> extends outwardly from the inner wall <NUM> of the spade <NUM>. A first flag <NUM> extends from the second leg <NUM> toward the first leg <NUM> and a second flag <NUM> extends from the first leg <NUM> toward the second leg <NUM>. A foot <NUM> extends outwardly from the first flag <NUM> away from the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM>, and a latch <NUM> extends upwardly from the foot <NUM> and is positioned between the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the latch <NUM> is disposed between a plane representing the first leg <NUM> and a plane representing the second let <NUM>. Such a configuration is desired to create a more compact clip <NUM>. An optional stiffener <NUM> can extend downwardly from the foot <NUM>.

The clip <NUM> is connected to the outer housing <NUM> with the spade <NUM> being positioned around an exterior wall of the outer housing <NUM>. The spade <NUM> is attached to the exterior wall of the outer housing <NUM> so that the outer wall <NUM> of the spade <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the needle shield <NUM>. This configuration advantageously reduces the width of the needle shield <NUM>, compared to an arrangement wherein the spade <NUM> is received within an internal cavity of the outer housing <NUM> such that the outer wall <NUM> is not exposed to the outside of the outer housing <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the inner wall <NUM> of the spade <NUM> is positioned in a recess and the two barbs <NUM> extend away from the inner wall <NUM> to engage a pair of projections <NUM> in the needle shield <NUM>. The two barbs <NUM> aid in securely fastening the clip <NUM> to an inner surface of the needle shield <NUM>. The clip <NUM> maybe formed from a metal, elastomer, polymer, or composite material. In various exemplary embodiments, the clip <NUM> is formed from a thin piece of resilient metal, such as stainless steel.

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the washer <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a side wall <NUM> connected together in a substantially L-shape. The side wall <NUM> includes a funnel <NUM> and an opening <NUM>. The needle <NUM> includes a deformation <NUM>, for example a crimp or protrusion formed near the distal end of the needle <NUM>. The opening <NUM> in the washer <NUM> is sized to allow passage of the needle shaft, but not the deformation <NUM>. The funnel <NUM> makes it easier for the proximal end of the needle <NUM> to be initially inserted through the washer <NUM> during assembly.

<FIG> depict an alternative exemplary catheter hub <NUM> having a pair of stabilization wings <NUM>. <FIG> depict another alternative exemplary side port catheter hub <NUM> having a pair of stabilization wings <NUM> and a side port <NUM>. The side port communicates with an internal tubular valve (not shown) as described in <CIT>. The alternative catheter hubs <NUM>, <NUM> each have a collar <NUM>, <NUM> with an opening <NUM>, <NUM> to receive the latch <NUM> of the needle shield <NUM>.

The catheter assemblies can include a plug <NUM> that is initially attached to the needle hub <NUM>. After the needle hub <NUM> and needle shield <NUM> have been removed from the catheter hub, the plug <NUM> can be removed from the needle hub <NUM> and attached to the open, proximal end of the catheter hub. Although depicted with only the side port catheter <NUM>, the plug <NUM> can be used with any of the catheter hubs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> depict the catheter assembly <NUM> of <FIG> during operation. Initially, the needle shield <NUM> is connected to the catheter hub <NUM> and the introducer needle <NUM> passes through the catheter hub <NUM> and the needle shield <NUM>. The nose <NUM> of the needle shield <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>) may or may not extend into the catheter hub <NUM> when the needle <NUM> is in use (first position). The needle <NUM> cooperates with the clip <NUM> by biasing the clip <NUM> into a locked position via pressing the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> toward one another. In the locked position, the latch <NUM> engages the collar <NUM>, preventing removal of the needle shield <NUM> from the catheter hub <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. At the same time, in the locked position, the latch <NUM> is offset from the collar opening <NUM>. The position of the latch <NUM> is off-center with respect to the needle <NUM>. The clip <NUM> is also in an open position, allowing the needle <NUM> to traverse through the clip <NUM>.

As the needle <NUM> is withdrawn from the catheter hub <NUM> and into the needle shield <NUM>, the tip of the needle <NUM> clears the clip <NUM>, and the clip <NUM> is allowed to resiliently expand, causing the second arm <NUM> to move away from the first arm <NUM>. As the clip <NUM> expands laterally, the primary and secondary flags <NUM>, <NUM> block the distal opening <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> aperture, preventing the tip of the needle <NUM> from exiting the distal end of the outer housing <NUM>.

Movement of the second leg <NUM> moves the latch <NUM> laterally from engagement with the collar <NUM> to a position aligned with the collar opening <NUM>, allowing the needle shield <NUM> to be disengaged or unlocked from the catheter hub <NUM>. The direction in which the latch <NUM> moves is lateral with respect to a centerline of the needle <NUM>. The latch <NUM> movement is not radial toward or away from the needle <NUM>. Moreover, as the latch <NUM> is adjusted, the latch <NUM> moves to a centered position and then ultimately moves off-center with respect to the needle <NUM>. The off-center positions of the latch <NUM> in the first and second positions of the needle <NUM> are symmetrically opposite each other.

In the position when the flags <NUM>, <NUM> block the needle <NUM>, the clip <NUM> moves to a closed position. At the same time, the needle <NUM> enters into a second position that is retracted from the first needle position, which prevents further use of the needle <NUM>. The first position, as described above, is understood as, for example, all positions of the needle <NUM> prior to entering the second position.

As the needle <NUM> is pulled further in the proximal direction, the shaft of the needle <NUM> slides through the needle shield <NUM> until the deformation <NUM> formed near the distal end of the needle <NUM> cooperates with and engages the washer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The opening in the washer <NUM> is sized to allow passage of the needle shaft, but not the deformation <NUM>. Thus, the washer <NUM> prevents the distal tip of the needle <NUM> and the deformation <NUM> from exiting the needle shield <NUM> when the needle <NUM> is in the second position. The combination of the washer <NUM> and the needle shield <NUM> enclose the distal tip of the needle <NUM> in this second position. Further proximal movement of the needle <NUM> results in the needle shield <NUM> being pulled away from the catheter hub <NUM>.

The combination of the clip <NUM> and the washer <NUM> act as an exemplary needle tip protection mechanism. This needle tip protection mechanism encloses the distal needle tip and the deformation <NUM> and prevents these portions of the needle <NUM> from exiting the needle shield <NUM>.

More information regarding needle tip protection mechanisms of the type used in this embodiment can be found in <CIT> and <CIT>, and <CIT>. The features described in this embodiment, including the needle protection features, can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

As depicted in <FIG>, the use of the clip <NUM> and the notched collar <NUM> allows for a smaller, more compact design. Without the collar opening <NUM>, the latch <NUM> would have to move a distance B1 to clear the collar and allow disengagement of the needle shield <NUM>. With the collar opening <NUM>, the latch <NUM> does not have to clear the entire catheter hub <NUM> and only needs to move a distance B2 which is less than B1.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict the use of the catheter valve actuator <NUM>. The introducer needle <NUM> initially extends through the actuator <NUM>, the septum <NUM>, the wedge <NUM>, and the catheter tube <NUM>. After the introducer needle <NUM> and the catheter tube <NUM> are inserted into a patient, the needle <NUM> is withdrawn, closing the septum <NUM>. As a male Luer connector <NUM> is inserted into the catheter hub <NUM>, the Luer connector <NUM> abuts and moves the actuator <NUM> in the distal direction, compressing the biasing member <NUM>. Further insertion of the Luer connector <NUM> moves the actuator <NUM> through the septum <NUM>, opening the slits and allowing fluid to flow through the catheter hub <NUM>.

When the Luer connector <NUM> is removed, the biasing member <NUM> moves the actuator <NUM> in the opposite direction, removing it from the septum <NUM>, closing the slits, and preventing fluid from flowing therethrough. This allows the catheter to be reused while in the patient's vein, as opposed to a single-use catheter where the actuator would remain in the septum after a Luer connector <NUM> is removed. However, a single-use catheter can also be used with the needle shield <NUM> described herein.

The actuator <NUM> has an actuator barrel <NUM> surrounding an internal passage. The actuator barrel <NUM> is a substantially tubular member and the internal passage is substantially cylindrical. A first end of the actuator barrel <NUM> has a nose with a chamfered outer surface to engage the septum <NUM>. The tubular member has one or more openings <NUM> to permit fluid flow through and around the actuator barrel <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> includes a rear portion for engaging a male Luer connector.

In a first exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> includes first and second sets of openings <NUM> in the barrel with the first set of openings near the nose. Openings are also illustrated in the actuator <NUM> of <FIG>. The rear portion of the actuator <NUM> of <FIG> also includes a set of legs <NUM> extending from the barrel and connected to a ring <NUM>. The features described in this embodiment can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

In a second exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the actuator 28A includes a set of grooves 101A and a set of openings 102A. The grooves 101A extend from the nose toward the back of the actuator barrel 100A. The openings 102A are positioned towards the rear of the barrel 100A. When the actuator 28A extends through the septum <NUM>, the grooves 101A channel fluid to the openings 102A which remain on the proximal side of the septum <NUM>. The grooves 101A may be positioned on the side of the openings 102A or directly in line with the openings 102A. The rear portion of the actuator includes a set of legs 104A extending from the barrel. As illustrated in <FIG>, a ring 106A may be connected to the legs 104A to engage a Luer connector <NUM> or the Luer connector <NUM> may directly engage the legs 104A as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The features described in this embodiment can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is a spring, for example a helical compression spring with a distal end and a proximal end. The spring may be made from metal, plastic, an elastomer, or another suitable resilient material. The distal end of the spring forms an interference fit with the inner surface of the catheter hub <NUM>. The interference fit may be sufficient to retain the spring, even during loading. The proximal end of the spring connects to the actuator <NUM>. The features described in this embodiment can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

<FIG> depict various exemplary blood flashback features of the catheter assembly. Flashback is the visibility of blood that confirms the entry of the needle tip into the vein. Primary flashback <NUM> is seen through the catheter tubing as blood travels into the open distal end of the hollow needle <NUM>, out a notch or opening <NUM> (also visible in <FIG>) in the needle <NUM> near the needle tip, and up through the internal annular space between the needle <NUM> and the inside of the catheter tubing <NUM>. The secondary flashback <NUM> is seen in the needle hub/grip <NUM> when it comes out of the back of the needle <NUM> and enters a flash chamber in the needle hub/grip. Air is vented by the plug in the back of the needle hub/grip <NUM> by a porous membrane or micro grooves. Tertiary flashback <NUM> is in the catheter hub <NUM> when the blood from the primary flashback <NUM> flows into it and stops at the blood control septum <NUM>. Air is vented by micro grooves in the periphery of the blood control septum <NUM>. The features described in this embodiment can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

<FIG> illustrates the actuator of <FIG> in further detail. The actuator <NUM> can be used in the catheter assemblies illustrated in <FIG>. The actuator <NUM> includes a nose <NUM> that reduces friction when the actuator <NUM> penetrates into a septum <NUM> of a catheter hub assembly. The actuator <NUM> further includes openings <NUM> that extend through the actuator <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the actuator <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> can include two rectangular shaped openings <NUM>, although more or less are contemplated.

The actuator <NUM> also includes a plurality of grooves <NUM> that extend axially along the distal portion of an outer surface of the actuator <NUM> in a plane parallel to the centerline of the actuator <NUM>. For example, four grooves <NUM>, substantially radially equidistant from each other, can be present along an external surface of the distal portion of the actuator <NUM>, although more or less grooves <NUM> are contemplated. The grooves <NUM> can be of varying depths into the actuator <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are different from the openings <NUM> because the grooves <NUM> do not extend through the actuator <NUM>.

The openings <NUM> and the grooves <NUM> advantageously provide increased area for the fluid to move inside the catheter hub assembly. The increased area advantageously allows for fluid flushing and to prevent coagulation of fluid in the proximal and distal ends of the septum. Additionally, the openings <NUM> and the plurality of grooves <NUM> advantageously minimize the stagnation of fluid and allow for greater mixing. The grooves <NUM> further prevent the septum from sealing on an outside surface of the actuator during operation. By not forming a sealing interface, the fluid is permitted to leak through the septum via the grooves <NUM> and provide additional flushing.

<FIG> illustrates the actuator <NUM> of <FIG> in the catheter hub assembly. Similar to the embodiments described above, the catheter hub assembly further includes a catheter hub <NUM>, a septum <NUM> and a biasing member <NUM>. As illustrated, the openings <NUM> and the grooves <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> provide more area for fluid flow inside the catheter hub <NUM>, thus achieving the advantages described above.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the catheter hub assembly when the biasing member <NUM> is compressed and the actuator <NUM> penetrates the septum <NUM>. The catheter hub assembly may be configured such that the openings <NUM> and/or the grooves <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> optionally penetrates the septum <NUM>. In this embodiment, the openings <NUM> in the actuator <NUM> do not penetrate the septum <NUM>. However, the grooves <NUM> in the actuator <NUM> penetrate the septum <NUM>. This configuration allows for increased fluid flow from the proximal end to the distal end of the septum <NUM> through the grooves <NUM>, in addition to the advantages described above. After operation of the catheter assembly is complete, the actuator <NUM> is retracted from the septum <NUM> via the force exerted by the biasing member <NUM>. The catheter assembly is configured for multiple uses upon depression of the actuator <NUM>. The features described in this embodiment, including the actuator, can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of an actuator <NUM> in a catheter hub assembly. The catheter hub assembly includes a catheter hub <NUM> having a side port <NUM>. The side port <NUM> provides secondary access to the fluid flow in the catheter hub <NUM>. The intersection of the main bore of the catheter hub <NUM> and the side port <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> provides selective fluid communication between the side port <NUM> and the catheter hub <NUM>. Specifically, when sufficient fluid pressure is applied through the side port <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> compresses. The compression of the sleeve <NUM> allows for fluid to enter the catheter hub <NUM>. The catheter hub assembly further includes a septum <NUM> and a biasing member <NUM> that provides tension to the actuator <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> includes a plurality of openings <NUM> that extend through the actuator <NUM> in a similar manner as described above. The actuator <NUM> includes two rows of four openings <NUM> having different sizes and similar spacing, although various quantities, sizes and spacing of the openings <NUM> are contemplated. As illustrated, the openings <NUM> provide more area for fluid flow inside the catheter hub <NUM>, thus achieving similar advantages described above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the catheter hub assembly when the actuator <NUM> penetrates the septum <NUM> and compresses the biasing member <NUM>. The catheter hub assembly is configured such that the openings <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> optionally penetrate the septum <NUM>. In this embodiment, the openings <NUM> in the actuator <NUM> do not penetrate the septum <NUM>. This configuration allows for increased fluid flow between the side port <NUM> and the catheter hub <NUM> at the proximal end of the septum <NUM>, in addition to the advantages described above. If the openings <NUM> in the actuator <NUM> penetrate the septum <NUM>, increased mixing of fluid would also take place at a distal end of the septum <NUM>.

When operation of the catheter assembly is complete, the actuator <NUM> is retracted from the septum <NUM> via the force exerted by the biasing member <NUM>. The catheter assembly is configured for multiple uses upon depression of the actuator <NUM>. The features described in this embodiment, such as the actuator, can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

In another exemplary embodiment, the collar of the catheter hub as described above can be replaced by any other structure that defines a notch. For example, the collar may be a groove or a recess in the catheter hub. Accordingly, the groove in the catheter hub can be used to engage and disengage a clip in a similar manner as described above. The features described in this embodiment can be used in combination with the features described throughout this application.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

Claim 1:
A catheter assembly comprising:
a catheter (<NUM>) extending in an axial direction;
a catheter hub (<NUM>) attached to the catheter (<NUM>), the catheter hub (<NUM>) having a collar (<NUM>), the collar (<NUM>) including a notch (<NUM>);
a needle (<NUM>) having a distal tip and disposed in the catheter (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) connected to the catheter hub (<NUM>) when the needle (<NUM>) is in a first position, the housing (<NUM>) including a projection that is configured to fit in the notch (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) includes a cut-out portion that is configured to allow the collar (<NUM>) to pass through; and
a clip (<NUM>) disposed in the housing that cooperates with the needle; wherein
the clip (<NUM>) engages the collar (<NUM>) in the first position and the clip (<NUM>) disengages the collar (<NUM>) via the notch (<NUM>) when the needle (<NUM>) is retracted to a second position to enclose at least a portion of the needle (<NUM>).