Patent ID: 8357121

Claim:
An intravenous catheter device, comprising: a catheter adapter having a first end and a proximal end, the first end of the catheter adapter supporting a catheter; a needle tip shield having a first end and a proximal end, the first end of the needle tip being removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle hub having a first end, a proximal end, and a middle portion, the first end of the needle hub being removably coupled to the proximal end of the needle tip shield, the middle portion including a gripping surface for accommodating opposing digits to enable a straight grip of the catheter device, the proximal end of the needle hub further including an end surface for accommodating a thumb, the proximal end of the needle hub including a needle fixedly attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom such that the needle intersects, aligns, and coordinates the needle tip shield, the catheter adapter and the catheter to provide an integrated catheter device, the gripping surface further comprising a distal end peak and a proximal end, the distal end peak of the gripping surface being positioned at a first radial distance from the needle, and the proximal end of the gripping surface being positioned at a second radial distance from the needle, the first radial distance being greater than the second radial distance, wherein the distal end peak of the gripping surface further comprises a guard feature interposed between the gripping surface and the needle tip shield.