Abstract: An improved catheter assembly is set forth having a cannula having a proximal and distal end portions and longitudinal duct therethrough from said proximal to said distal end portion. A longitudinal piercing member having a distal end having a sharp insertion tip is positioned within the longitudinal duct of the cannula with the insertion tip extending beyond the distal end portion of the cannula. A hub having a passageway therethrough from its proximal to its distal end thereof has its distal end attached to the proximal end portion of the cannula with the passageway in flow communication with the duct in the cannula. A longitudinal piercing member extractor construction extends longitudinally from the longitudinal piercing member. The extractor construction extends through the duct of the cannula and through the passageway of the hub to a proximal end of the extractor construction.

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a cannula having a proximal end portion adapted to be connected to a hub, a distal end portion and a longitudinal duct therethrough from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion. The improvement is wherein the cannula has a larger outer cross-section and the duct has a larger inner cross-section starting from the proximal end portion and continuing to a position along the cannula then have the cannula and duct starting at the distal end portion and continuing to the position. The position is located distally from the hub. A reinforcing tube is provided having an outer surface matingly held within the duct and an inner passageway, the tube extending from the proximal end portion distally beyond the hub towards the position. That portion of the cannula which is reinforced by the reinforcing tube is prevented from kinking and/or deforming.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a cannula having proximal and distal end portions and a longitudinal duct having an initial inner cross-section. The duct increases in cross-section when at least a part of the distal end portion of the cannula is inserted into a body of a living subject and maintained in contact with the body, and/or when the duct is contacted by an aqueous liquid, for a period of time sufficient for an enlarged duct cross-section to form. A hub has a passageway from a first to a second end thereof. The passageway has a cross-sectional area throughout at least substantially equal to 125% of the initial inner cross-section of the duct. A proximal end portion of the cannula is attached to the first end of the hub with a passageway through the hub in flow communication with the duct in the proximal end portion of the cannula.