Patent ID: RE38996

Claim:
A catheter introducer set, comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end and a proximal end with an external surface; a cannula secured to the distal end of the catheter adapter; a needle hub having a proximal end and an open distal end; a needle having a sharp distal end and a proximal end secured to the needle hub, the needle being coaxially disposed within the open distal end of the needle hub and the cannula and having a change of contour therealong; and a needle cover coaxially disposed about the needle and disposed between the needle hub and the proximal end of the catheter adapter and having a distal end engaging the external surface of the proximal end of the catheter adapter to maintain the needle cover in engagement with the catheter adapter and a proximal end disposed within the open distal end of the needle hub and wherein the proximal end of the needle cover engages the change in contour along the needle to obstruct the sharp distal end of the needle when the sharp distal end of the needle is withdrawn into the needle cover.