Patent ID: 8465441

Claim:
A cannula introducing device comprising: an elongate body having a first end portion and a second end portion, a needle projecting from said first end portion, a length extending between said first end portion and said second end portion, and an elongated groove or channel formed along at least a portion of said length; an operating member slidably positioned within said groove or channel of said body, said operating member being configured to selectively move along said elongated groove or channel, wherein at least a portion of said operating member projects outwardly from said elongated groove or channel, said operating member being configured to be engaged manually by a user; a plunger disposed at said first end portion of said body; and an elongate flexible member having a first end attached to said operating member and a second end attached to said plunger, said flexible member extending along said elongated groove or channel between said operating member and said plunger, said elongated groove or channel including a passage having a first portion which extends from a rear end of said elongated groove or channel and curves round to a second portion which extends forwardly to said first end portion of said body, said flexible member being positioned and configured such that movement of said operating member along said elongated groove or channel of said body in a first direction moves said flexible member to push said plunger forwardly along said needle.