Patent ID: 8403893

Claim:
A method comprising the steps of: providing a syringe comprising: (a) a syringe body, the syringe body having a central axis, a distal end, a proximal opening, and a lumen extending therethrough; (b) a needle in communication with the syringe body; (c) a pre-filled cartridge operable to be inserted into the proximal opening of the syringe body; and (d) a guard in communication with the syringe body, wherein the guard is configured to translate along the central axis of the syringe body; and (e) a distally projecting release, the distally projecting release having a free distal end and a fixed proximal end, wherein the distally projecting release is configured to release the guard from a retracted position to an extended position upon actuation; inserting the pre-filled cartridge into the proximal opening of the syringe body; establishing fluid communication between the needle and the pre-filled cartridge; releasing the guard from the retracted position to the extended position by depressing the distally projecting release radially inward; and urging the pre-filled cartridge distally, wherein distally actuating the pre-filled cartridge urges a fluid retained within the pre-filled cartridge through the needle.