Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to a vascular access catheter device with an inline needle, the device having a needle portion that is linearly displaceable relative to a catheter portion, and vice versa, and to methods of performing blood transfer procedures using said device. Retraction of the needle portion relative to the catheter portion allows the catheter of the catheter portion to cover the needle tip during a blood transfer procedure, thereby preventing needle damage to a fistula/graft or peripheral vessel of a patient, as well as possible needle stick injuries to health care workers during removal/disposal of a used device. Because the needle still remains largely within the catheter after retraction, there is no risk of catheter collapse, kinking, etc., during use, which could compromise blood flow during a hemodialysis or other vascular access procedure.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to arteriovenous (AV) access catheters with inline needles that are protectable by sliding displacement of the catheter, and to methods of performing hemodialysis using said AV catheters. Extension (sliding) of the catheter portion of an exemplary device relative to a needle portion, after the needle of the needle portion has been used to access a patient fistula/graft, allows the catheter to cover the needle tip, thereby minimizing or eliminating the possibility that the needle may damage the fistula/graft. Because the needle still remains largely within the catheter, there is no risk of catheter collapse, kinking, etc., which could compromise blood flow during a hemodialysis procedure.