Abstract: An over-the-needle type IV catheter system comprising a vented "closed hub" catheter assembly having a self-sealing injection port, a check valve operatively associated with the IV line, and a distally-situated flash chamber. Push flanges on the top and sides of the catheter assembly may be used to aid insertion, and may be rotated on the catheter housing as desired. A safety tube assembly having a trigger-actuated spring-biased needle retracting mechanism and a telescoping safety guard permit the operator to enclose the needle after catheterization using one hand. The coupling for the IV line is oriented in generally the same direction as the catheter tube, so that looping the IV line is unnecessary.

Abstract: The catheter system is used to safely insert a plastic catheter into a peripheral vein of patient who needs access for fluid and/or drug therapy. The catheter has added to the normal catheter hub a secondary port Y-Port that is used to attach IV line when catheter is inserted. This Y-port also has a one-way check valve to prevent blood from backing out the Y-port before the line is attached. The terminal end of the catheter hub has a rubber stopper to prevent blood from leaking out after the needle is removed. This feature effectively closes the previously open hub of the catheter, thus allowing near-bloodless IV access and allowing the flash chamber to be located within hub. The needle also includes a vent hole that vents blood into the flash chamber.