Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly is provided including a catheter adapter at its proximal end. The catheter adapter includes a side port in fluid communication with the catheter and a septum located in the proximal end of the catheter adapter proximal of the side port. The introducer needle is connected at its proximal end to a needle hub and includes at least one notch in communication with the introducer needle lumen. The notch allows blood to flow into the open distal end of the needle and through the notch into the catheter lumen (specifically, the annular space between the outside of the introducer needle and the inside of the catheter and catheter adapter). Thereafter, the blood can flow through the annular space and then through the side port and extension tube that extends from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly is provided including a catheter adapter at its proximal end. The catheter adapter includes a side port in fluid communication with the catheter and a septum located in the proximal end of the catheter adapter proximal of the side port. The introducer needle is connected at its proximal end to a needle hub and includes at least one notch in communication with the introducer needle lumen. The notch allows blood to flow into the open distal end of the needle and through the notch into the catheter lumen (specifically, the annular space between the outside of the introducer needle and the inside of the catheter and catheter adapter). Thereafter, the blood can flow through the annular space and then through the side port and extension tube that extends from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: An adapter for a multiple capacity needle immobilizing device having a body portion and entry holes for allowing the distal ends of sharp needles to enter the body includes a base having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion having apertures positioned to align with the entry holes of the immobilizing device. A non-circular funnel projects upwardly from each of the entry holes to a funnel opening in the top portion of the adapter. The funnel opening is larger when measured perpendicularly to a line extending through the apertures of the adapter than when measured along this line. Structure is provided for connecting the adapter to the needle immobilizing device.

Abstract: An adapter for a multiple capacity needle immobilizing device having a body portion and entry holes for allowing the distal ends of sharp needles to enter the body includes a base having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion having apertures positioned to align with the entry holes of the immobilizing device. A non-circular funnel projects upwardly from each of the entry holes to a funnel opening in the top portion of the adapter. The funnel opening is larger when measured perpendicularly to a line extending through the apertures of the adapter than when measured along this line. Structure is provided for connecting the adapter to the needle immobilizing device.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly is provided including a catheter adapter at its proximal end. The catheter adapter includes a side port in fluid communication with the catheter and a septum located in the proximal end of the catheter adapter proximal of the side port. The introducer needle is connected at its proximal end to a needle hub and includes at least one notch in communication with the introducer needle lumen. The notch allows blood to flow into the open distal end of the needle and through the notch into the catheter lumen (specifically, the annular space between the outside of the introducer needle and the inside of the catheter and catheter adapter). Thereafter, the blood can flow through the annular space and then through the side port and extension tube that extends from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly is provided including a catheter adapter at its proximal end. The catheter adapter includes a side port in fluid communication with the catheter and a septum located in the proximal end of the catheter adapter proximal of the side port. The introducer needle is connected at its proximal end to a needle hub and includes at least one notch in communication with the introducer needle lumen. The notch allows blood to flow into the open distal end of the needle and through the notch into the catheter lumen (specifically, the annular space between the outside of the introducer needle and the inside of the catheter and catheter adapter). Thereafter, the blood can flow through the annular space and then through the side port and extension tube that extends from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly is provided including a catheter adapter at its proximal end. The catheter adapter includes a side port in fluid communication with the catheter. A septum is located in the proximal end of the catheter adapter proximal of the side port. The introducer needle is connected at its proximal end to a needle hub and includes at least one notch formed therein in communication with the introducer needle lumen. The notch is formed in the needle such that blood can flow into the open distal end of the needle, through the lumen in the needle and through the notch into the catheter lumen (specifically, the annular space between the outside of the introducer needle and the inside of the catheter and catheter adapter). Thereafter, the blood can flow through the annular space and then through the side port and extension tube that extends from the catheter adapter.