Abstract: A syringe system 1 for use with a prefilled injectate cartridge 9 comprises a hollow cylindrical barrel 2 having an outlet 3 at one end for passage of liquid to be expelled along a hollow pointed needle 5 by depression of a plunger 12. A protective sleeve 14 is mounted on the barrel 2 and is slidable along the barrel between a contracted position in which the needle 5 projects through an apertured end 15 of the sleeve 14, and an extended position in which the point of the needle 5 is located within the sleeve 14 to shield the point of the needle. Interengaging formations 22, 24, 26 on the barrel 2 and sleeve 14 are provided for retaning the sleeve 14 in the extended position, and a spring 19 is provided for resiliently biasing the sleeve 14 towards its extended position so that the sleeve 14 will automatically assume its extended position, and be retained therein by the interengaging formations 22, 24, 26, on release of pressure applied in the direction of contracting movement.

Abstract: A catheter placement unit comprises an introducing needle (2) having a pointed tip (6) for introducing a catheter (4) into a desired position in a patient's body, a needle hub (3) for mounting the needle (2) so that the needle extends through an axial bore in the catheter (4) during introduction of the catheter into the patient's body and so that the needle can subsequently be withdrawn from the catheter bore leaving the catheter in position in the patient's body, and a needle tip protector (10) on the needle for shielding the needle tip (6) when the needle has been withdrawn from the catheter bore. The needle tip protector (10) includes a guard element (16) which is held against a resilient bias in a cocked position to one side of the catheter (4) while the catheter is introduced into the patient's body and which, on subsequent withdrawal of the needle (2) from the catheter bore, is moved laterally by resilient action from the cocked position into a guard position in which it shields the needle tip (6).