Abstract: A stylet for insertion within a cannula interior of a needle is disclosed. The stylet includes a solid elongated shaft having a proximal end adapted for engagement with a needle hub, and a distal end having a surface modified profile. The surface modified profile increases the penetration force required to penetrate human skin. The ratio of the penetration force of a stylet having an unmodified distal end to the stylet having a surface modified profile is at least 1:1.4, or greater. The surface modified profile may be a roughened surface, a buffed surface and/or a blunted surface. The surface modified profile may include a yieldable material disposed over at least a portion of the distal end. A needle assembly having a stylet having a surface modified profile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. An engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A stylet for insertion within a cannula interior of a needle is disclosed. The stylet includes a solid elongated shaft having a proximal end adapted for engagement with a needle hub, and a distal end having a surface modified profile. The surface modified profile increases the penetration force required to penetrate human skin. The ratio of the penetration force of a stylet having an unmodified distal end to the stylet having a surface modified profile is at least 1:1.4, or greater. The surface modified profile may be a roughened surface, a buffed surface and/or a blunted surface. The surface modified profile may include a yieldable material disposed over at least a portion of the distal end. A needle assembly having a stylet having a surface modified profile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. Engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.