Abstract: A positive engagement/disengagement catheter sleeve to reduce risks of needle sticks. The sleeve has a base and a body which define a pair of grooves. The grooves define a deformable region of the sleeve therebetween. At least one detent is provided inside the base within the deformable region. A mechanism is provided to cause the detent to disengage when the mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a telescoping tip protector for reducing the risk of needle sticks in used catheter introducers. The pair of telescoping members are adapted such that they telescope from a housing which is gripped by the user with one of the telescoping members locking in a position extending from the housing and the second member locks in a position extending from the first member. The second member carries thereon a tip protecting portion which surrounds the cannula tip and prevents the inadvertent jabbing, piercing or sticking of the needle into a person after the use of the introducer and engagement of the protector.

Abstract: A safety cover which securably and reliably locks the tip of a cannula in an interior chamber within the safety cover. The cover comprises an elongate body having the interior chamber and an axial through hole which extends along the entire length of the body, through the interior chamber and through which the cannula is slidably received. Displacing elements are positioned within the interior chamber, each of which includes a hole for receiving said cannula therethrough, and which displaces upon retraction of the tip of said cannula, thereby preventing subsequent advancement of said cannula tip. In a first embodiment the displacing elements are annular rings. In a second embodiment, the elements are rigid balls having through holes. In a third embodiment, the displacing elements are a pair of conical elements, one of which is spring biased, each of which includes an offset hole.

Abstract: A new catheter stick protector is described having a metal flap clip which snaps down into place to prevent return of the needle through the protector device once withdrawn. The device is small and received over the needle to provide an interface between the needle hub and the hub of a catheter like product. A sleeve of hydrophobic or fluid impermeable material is provided and attached at one end to the needle hub and at a second end to the tip protector. The length of the material is selected to hold the tip protector in a position just extending beyond the tip of the needle of a catheter inserter.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter assembly in which a restriction of the inner diameter of the catheter tube is formed in the proximity of the needle hub. The restriction is formed by heating a portion of the catheter tube to the softening point of the catheter material, stretching the catheter tube to cause the heated portion of the catheter tube to tighten about an inner needle or mandrel, then releasing the stretching force to allow the stretched portion to relax, leaving a small gap between the inner wall of the catheter tube and the outer diameter of the insertion needle. The small gap is preferably sized to be on the order of the size of the diameter of blood cells to restrict the flow of liquids past the restriction and into the catheter hub.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter assembly is provided in which a restriction of the inner diameter of the catheter tube is formed in the proximity of the needle hub. The restriction is formed by heating a portion of the catheter tube to the softening point of the catheter material, stretching the catheter tube to cause the heated portion of the catheter tube to tighten about an inner needle or mandril, then releasing the stretching force to allow the stretched portion to relax, leaving a small gap between the inner wall of the catheter tube and the outer diameter of the insertion needle. The small gap is preferably sized to be on the order of the size of the diameter of blood cells to restrict the flow of liquids past the restriction and into the catheter hub.