Abstract: An improved intravenous catheter launching device includes a body having a cavity; a hollow, sharpened needle connected to and extending outwardly from the body wherein the needle is in flow communication with the cavity; a flexible catheter having a tapered distal end and slidably telescoped over the needle such that the catheter is latchingly connected to the body by a triggering mechanism biased by a resilient extension of the body; and a compression spring operably biasing the catheter axially outwardly along the needle. Modified embodiments of the intravenous catheter launching device include a triggering mechanism biased by a second compression spring, a trigger molded integrally with a body, a rigid plunger spaced in a channel for physically launching a catheter and a semi-rigid plunger spaced in an arcuate channel for similarly launching a catheter from a minimally sized body.

Abstract: A positioning device comprises a flexible sterilizable mat for wrapping across and tucking under a pad on an underlying supporting structure; a pair of opposing elevators, each having an inflatable compartment and an inboard seam connected to the mat near the center thereof; and a remotely controlled air supply and delivery system for selectively and separately inflating and deflating the elevators.