Patent ID: 8597249

Claim:
A catheter assembly comprising: a first hub comprising an interior cavity, an opening at a proximal end, and a catheter tube having a distal end opening extending distally of the first hub; a needle having a needle shaft defining a needle axis projecting distally of an end of a second hub, said needle projecting through the catheter tube and comprising a needle tip; a valve comprising a slit for obstructing fluid flow and a skirt section positioned inside the interior cavity of the first hub such that the skirt section contacts the interior cavity of the first hub; said valve remaining inside the interior cavity when the needle is removed from the catheter tube and the first hub; a valve opener disposed in the first hub for actuating the valve, the valve opener comprising a nose section for pushing the valve to open the slit when activated and a leg element extending proximally of the nose section; wherein the leg element is slidable distally within the interior cavity of the first hub by a male implement to transfer a distally directed force to the nose section to push the valve to open the slit; a needle protective device spring loaded in a ready to use position and positioned proximally of the valve and at least in part around the needle to prevent unintended contact with the needle tip in a protective position; and a third hub positioned substantially proximally of the first hub.