Abstract: An apparatus for providing instrument access through a gel pad of a surgical access device disposed to seal an opening to a body cavity of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stem having a bore extending therethrough, the stem having a length sufficient such that when the stem is inserted through the gel pad a distal end of the stem protrudes beyond an inner surface of the gel pad. The bore is sized to permit an instrument to be inserted through the bore and through the opening into the body cavity. The stem includes a flanged opening to the bore that remains external to an outer surface of the gel pad and limits the insertion of the stem through the gel pad. The apparatus also includes a displaceable seal disposed within the bore below the flanged opening, the displaceable seal being operable to seal the bore prior to insertion of the instrument and to displace to permit insertion of the instrument while maintaining the seal.

Abstract: A nasal valve implant delivery system includes a delivery tool having a handle and a needle extending distally therefrom and configured to hold an implant therein. When loaded in the needle, the implant proximally abuts or is disposed adjacent to a pusher member disposed partially within the needle. A light source disposed within the delivery tool is coupled to an optical fiber carried within a lumen of the pusher member. The delivery tool includes a moveable needle shuttle disposed in the handle that is coupled to the needle. An actuator disposed in the handle is configured to releaseably engage with the moveable needle shuttle, wherein the needle shuttle is coupled to one or more springs configured to apply a proximal tensioning force on the needle shuttle, wherein actuation of the actuator retracts the needle proximally into the handle and releases the implant.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter that includes a passive release feature. The catheter assembly includes ready, safe, and released positions. In the release position, a retainer being in a proximal retainer position relative to a collar enables release of the catheter hub from the catheter insertion device. The sharp tip of the insertion needle remains inaccessible in the release position in order to prevent unwanted needle sticks.

Abstract: A needle actuator assembly for a drug delivery system includes a housing, a needle having retracted and extended positions, a needle actuator body received within the housing and configured to move from a pre-use position where the needle is in the retracted position to a use position where the needle is in the extended position and to a post-use position where the needle is in the retracted position, with the needle actuator having a button contact surface, and an actuator button received by the housing.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter hub and a catheter tube, which may extend distally from the catheter hub. The catheter assembly may include a push tab and one or more ribs extending outwardly from an upper portion of the catheter hub. The ribs may be shorter in height than the push tab and proximal to the push tab. A needle assembly may include a needle hub, an introducer needle extending distally from the needle hub and through the catheter tube, and a grip coupled to the needle hub. The grip may include a face disposed outwardly from the push tab and the ribs. A grip of a user may contact the push tab, the ribs, and the face to reduce rotation between the catheter hub and the needle hub in response to distal advancement of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A needle safety clip including means to cover the end of a needle, e.g., after use, and allowing for another medical instrument, e.g., a guidewire or a catheter to extend from the clip with the needle-sharp end secured in the clip. A distal end section of the safety clip includes a slot to receive the guidewire therethrough in a safety position while blocking the needle from moving distally past the distal end section.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and implementations for inductive heating of a foreign metallic implant are disclosed. A foreign metallic implant may be heated via AMF pulses to ensure that the surface of the foreign metallic implant heats in a uniform manner. As the surface temperature of the foreign metallic implant rises, acoustic signatures may be detected by acoustic sensors that may indicate that tissue may be heating to an undesirable level approaching a boiling point. Once these acoustic signatures are detected, the AMF pulses may be shut off for a time period to allow the surface temperature of the implant to cool before applying additional AMF pulses. In this manner, the surface temperature of a foreign metallic implant may be uniformly heated to a temperature adequate to treat bacterial biofilm buildup on the surface of the foreign metallic implant without damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A plurality of control-signal generators are configured to generate respective control signals having respective control-signal amplitudes and different respective control-signal frequencies, and a plurality of signal adders are configured to produce respective composite signals for application to a subject, by adding the control signals to respective ablation signals having respective ablation-signal amplitudes. The control-signal generators are configured to generate the control signals such that respective ratios between the control-signal amplitudes and the ablation-signal amplitudes are constant during the application of the composite signals to the subject.

Abstract: An injection system includes a body member having a body connection member at a distal end thereof. The system also includes a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal end of the injection system body. The needle hub assembly includes a needle hub coupled to the body connection member, a needle coupled to the needle hub, and a spacer removably coupled to the needle hub. The spacer reduces an exposed length of the needle.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include an introducer needle coupled to a needle hub, an intermediate member having a contact surface, a resilient member, and a ramp member. The resilient member may be coupled to one of the needle hub and the intermediate member. The ramp member may be coupled to the other one of the needle hub and the intermediate member. The resilient member may engage a ramp surface of the ramp member and impart a force on the intermediate member in a distal direction. The contact surface of the intermediate member may engage a proximal surface of a catheter adapter body and urge the catheter adapter body in the distal direction such that a catheter projecting from the catheter adapter body may be translated in the distal direction relative to the introducer needle.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a catheter hub fixed to a proximal end portion of the catheter, a hollow inner needle removably located in the catheter and including a distal end portion at which is located a needlepoint to puncture skin of a patient, and a guide wire slidably positioned in the inner needle. The guide wire is longer than both the inner needle and the catheter. A wire operating member is connected to the guide wire and is displaceable in a forward direction relative to the inner needle and the catheter. A main body is detachably connected to the catheter hub and includes a finger-engaging projection at a distal portion of the main body that is engageable by a user's finger to advance the main body and the catheter in the forward direction.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide a membrane delamination device for delaminating a membrane from a retina of an eye. The membrane delamination device comprises a blade, a first lever coupled to the blade, and a second lever coupled to the blade. The first lever and the second lever are at least partially housed by a first shaft of a hand-piece. The first lever is fixedly coupled to the first shaft. The second lever is fixedly coupled to the hand-piece. The blade at least partially extends beyond a distal end of the first shaft. The membrane delamination device is configured to be actuated as a result of longitudinal movement of the second lever within and in relation to the first shaft. The second lever moves longitudinally within and in relation to the first shaft due to an application of force to the second lever through the hand-piece.

Abstract: A method of implanting a balloon expandable prosthetic valve within a native aortic valve includes introducing a delivery system into a femoral artery of a patient, the delivery system comprising an outer sleeve and a shaft extending through a lumen of the outer sleeve. A distal end portion of the shaft is positioned distal to a distal end of a steerable distal end portion of the outer sleeve. A prosthetic valve is crimped over a balloon disposed along the distal end portion of the shaft. The delivery system further comprises a first radiopaque marker inside the balloon and positioned adjacent a proximal end of the prosthetic valve and a second radiopaque marker inside the balloon and positioned adjacent a distal end of the prosthetic valve. The method also includes identifying a location of the prosthetic valve by monitoring the first and second radiopaque markers inside the balloon under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula includes an annular base having a boss that extends about a longitudinal axis and has a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula. A latch arm coupled with the annular base overlies the boss and includes an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen to receive the surgical cannula. The latch arm is movable relative to the annular base between a release position and a lock position. In the release position the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to permit longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula. In the lock position the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to inhibit longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula.

Abstract: An insertion set system includes a base configured to be secured to a patient, and a flexible tubing on the base. The flexible tubing has a distal end portion forming a cannula to be inserted into the patient. An inserter having a needle is received by the base. The needle has a channel in which the distal end portion of the flexible tubing is received. The needle is able to slide relative to the flexible tubing, to selectively withdraw the needle off of the distal end portion of the flexible tubing. The base may include a passage for fluid flow arranged transverse to the axial dimension of the distal end portion of the flexible tubing.

Abstract: Needle assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needle assemblies having a tip protector with a plurality of wall surfaces for preventing contact with the needle tip from a side. Aspects of the tip protectors discussed herein include a first protector body having an arm for blocking a needle tip surrounded by a second protector body having a plurality of wall surfaces.

Abstract: An iontophoresis system includes a preloaded reservoir containing one or more doses of a therapeutic agent. As a result, the therapeutic agent does not have to be loaded into the reservoir prior to use. In such a system, the preloaded reservoir is generally disposable. Various components of the iontophoresis system can be combined with the reservoir in a disposable cartridge that is selectively connectable to other, reusable components of the iontophoresis system. In addition, the entire iontophoresis system can be formed from one or more disposable, one-time-use modules.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) comprises a catheter (22), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip disposed in the catheter (22), a catheter hub (14) housing the catheter (22) and the needle (12), the catheter hub (14) having a collar (34) including a notch (36), a needle shield (20) connected to the catheter hub (14) when the needle (12) is in a first position, and a clip (40) disposed in the needle shield (20) that cooperates with the needle (12), wherein the clip (40) engages the catheter hub (14) in the first position of the needle (12), and the clip (40) disengages the catheter hub (14) via the notch (36) when the needle (12) is retracted to a second position to enclose at least a portion of the needle (12). The clip (40) is mounted in the outer housing (38) of the needle shield (20) via a spade (66) having an outer wall (70) exposed to the outside of the needle shield (20), in order to reduce the overall width of the needle shield (20).

Abstract: A method is disclosed, including joining a balloon to a resilient inner body of a balloon assist device, the balloon comprising an axial length shorter than an axial length of the inner body; expanding a slit in the resilient inner body of the balloon assist device; inserting a catheter through the slit; and releasing the slit to contract the balloon assist device around the catheter.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter that includes a passive release feature. The catheter assembly includes ready, safe, and released positions. In the release position, a retainer being in a proximal retainer position relative to a collar enables release of the catheter hub from the catheter insertion device. The sharp tip of the insertion needle remains inaccessible in the release position in order to prevent unwanted needle sticks.

Abstract: A method for attaching a drive rod to a knife includes: forming a knife having proximal and distal ends; forming an aperture within the proximal end of the knife, the aperture including a series of fins disposed therein; weaving a distal end of a knife rod through the series of fins in an alternating manner; and engaging a cap onto the distal end of the knife drive rod to secure the knife drive rod within the aperture of the knife.

Abstract: A device and method is provided to gain access to interior body regions. The system includes a safety needle assembly, a stylet assembly, a blade assembly, an obturator assembly, and a dilator assembly. The safety needle assembly or stylet assembly accesses an interior body region, after which the blade assembly expands the pathway created by the safety needle assembly or stylet assembly. The obturator then further expands the pathway and delivers the dilator assembly to the desired location. The safety needle assembly, obturator assembly, and blade assembly are removed, leaving the dilator assembly in place for future procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling, fluid removal and/or energy removal. The method and device provide for removal of fluid and cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation of body fluid, removal of energy, cooling of the anatomical feature, and systemic cooling. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest. Similarly, excess fluid removal may be achieved for treatment of cardiogenic shock or other conditions that cause significant fluid build-up, especially in cases of compromised renal function.

Abstract: For deploying a stent at a coronary ostium, an integrated intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) ostial stent delivery apparatus can include a balloon catheter and an elongate shaft defining (1) a longitudinal inflation lumen and (2) a longitudinal IVUS lumen. A balloon can be located at and about the distal shaft portion and inflated with the inflation lumen. The shaft further defines a longitudinal guidewire lumen, extending at least through the distal shaft portion underlaying the balloon for at least a length of the balloon along the shaft. The IVUS lumen can include removable IVUS ultrasound imaging transducer with a signal conduit to external processing and display componentry. The imaging can help ensure proper stent location before placement and deployment, or for post-placement and stent deployment confirmation, without requiring removal of the stent delivery device to deploy a separate IVUS imaging probe.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) comprises a catheter (22), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip, a catheter hub (14) housing the catheter (22), the catheter hub (14) having a collar (34) including a notch (36), a needle shield (20) connected to the catheter hub (14) when the needle (12) is in a first position, and a clip (40) disposed in the needle shield (20) that cooperates with the needle (12), wherein the clip (40) engages the catheter hub (14) in the first position of the needle (12), and the clip (40) disengages the catheter hub (14) via the notch (36) when the needle (12) is retracted to a second position to cover at least a portion of the needle (12). The clip (40) is mounted in the outer housing (38) of the needle shield (20) via a spade (66) having an outer wall (70) exposed to the outside of the needle shield (20), in order to reduce the overall width of the needle shield (20).

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a flexible catheter (22), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip, the needle (12) disposed in the flexible catheter (22) and moving from a first position that exposes the needle (12) to a second position, an outer member (26) that is configured to engage and disengage a catheter hub (14), an inner member (28) disposed in the outer member (26), and a needle protection (30) member disposed in the inner member (28), the needle protection member (30) enclosing at least a portion of the needle (12) when the needle (12) is in the second position.

Abstract: A system for intraosseous access can include an elongated instrument that is positioned within a cannula portion of a cannula assembly. The system can include a shield that is coupled with both the elongated instrument and the cannula assembly when in an unlocked state. The shield can permit proximal movement of the elongated instrument relative thereto when in the unlocked state. The shield can automatically transition to a locked state to attach to a distal end of the elongated instrument to restrict access to a distal tip of the elongated instrument.

Abstract: A catheter inserter including an actuator assembly to move a catheter assembly outside a housing by engaging the catheter assembly multiple times, in an example. The inserter includes a needle assembly in a housing that has a first position with a needle extending from the housing and a second position with the needle retracted into the housing. A catheter assembly is removably positioned in the housing and includes a catheter and a hub connected to the catheter. An actuator assembly is further mounted to the housing and operates to selectively engage a guidewire assembly to move the guidewire past the needle and to selectively engage the catheter assembly to move the catheter and the hub outside the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to guidewire advancement and blood flashback systems. In particular, an insertion tool includes a frangible guidewire lever configured to break and prevent further movement of a guidewire if the guidewire becomes caught. Such a feature can prevent breakage of a distal portion of the guidewire which otherwise could undesirably lead to an embolism. The insertion tool can further include a blood flash indicator that has a simplified coupling with a needle. The insertion tool can further include a guidewire advancement assembly configured to allow a clinician to hold the insertion tool proximate a distal end and operate the guidewire advancement with one hand while providing increased control over the insertion tool. The insertion tool can further include a safety clip coupled with a catheter hub and configured to close about a tip of the needle when a catheter is detached from the insertion tool.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system includes a first generator configured to output an operating signal. The system also includes a pathway for the operating signal, the pathway includes an active electrode and a patient pad. The system also includes a circuit configured to measure a complex impedance of the patient pad. The circuit includes a second generator configured to output a measuring signal. The system also includes a voltage transformer, a current transformer, and a plurality of filters.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, an introducer needle, a distal opening, a first magnet, and a second magnet. In response to proximal withdrawal of the introducer needle, the first magnet may move towards the second magnet, which may block the distal opening and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening.

Abstract: Needle assemblies, such as catheter devices, and related methods having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube. A valve is positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub and a valve actuator having an extension leg with an engagement section for supporting an arm of a needle safety clip when the safety clip is located in the interior cavity of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes an insertion group and a catheter group. The insertion group includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, and a needle support connected to the handle. The catheter group includes an elongated catheter and a catheter hub connected to the proximal end of the elongated catheter. The needle support includes two parallel features separated by a distance greater than an outer diameter of the elongated catheter to stabilize the needle cannula during insertion of the needle cannula into a patient. The needle cannula includes a cantilever portion extending from the handle. The needle support stabilizes the needle cannula during insertion of the needle cannula into a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety needle assembly having the high safety and high operability, comprising: a hub; a cannula; a collar; a protector; and a sheath. The sheath includes an opening of housing the cannula; a cannula fixing part of locking the cannula housed in the opening; an attachment part of rotatably supporting the sheath attached to the hub or the collar; and a protrusive stopper which a user pushes by a finger to pivot the sheath thereby to house the cannula in the opening of the sheath. Herein, the stopper is arranged at a vicinity of a central portion of the sheath in a longitudinal direction at the opposite side of the aperture of the opening, or arranged at a portion closer to a distal end side than the central portion of the sheath.

Abstract: A tool positioning system for use in a medical procedure is provided which includes a medical tool configured to be navigated to a target tool location within a portion of an organ of a patient. The medical tool includes a sheath having a tube defined by a sheath wall, the sheath extending a length in a proximal-distal direction and an inflatable balloon coupled to the sheath and configured to move along the length of the sheath in the proximal-distal direction. When the inflatable balloon is inflated at a target balloon location along the length of the sheath, the inflated balloon is fixed at the target balloon location. The tool positioning system also includes memory configured to store location of the tool in a three dimensional (3D) space and at least one processor configured to generate mapping information for displaying locations of the tool in the 3D space.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods in which a valve opener is used to push into a valve to open one or more slits on the valve to open the valve. The needle assemblies each includes a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and the valve and valve opener positioned in the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The valve can have a valve skirt and a nose section of the valve opener can locate therein. One or more reliefs can be provided with the valve opener so that an elbow or diagonal section on a needle guard can project from a holding space within the valve opener through the relief.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body includes a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed in the needle. The insertion tool can include a guidewire advancement assembly that can include a first finger pad for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The insertion tool can further include a catheter advancement assembly that can include a second finger pad for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. The first and second finger pads can be positioned such that a user can begin to advance the second finger pad after advancing the first finger pad without substantially re-positioning the thumb or finger of the user.

Abstract: A filtering sheath includes an elongated tubular member defined by a circumferential wall and having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end has a plurality of slits extending through the circumferential wall, the plurality of slits defining an expandable filter region. The plurality of slits are arranged in a pattern that allows the expandable filter region to move between a first, contracted configuration, and a second, expanded configuration.

Abstract: A medical insertion device includes an introducer assembly, a needle, and a housing. The introducer assembly includes a dilator coaxially disposed in a sheath, the dilator removably engaged to the sheath in an insertion configuration. The needle is coaxially disposed in the dilator, the needle having a distal tip and a proximal end coupled to a needle hub. The housing may be removably engaged to the dilator. The needle hub is movably disposed in the housing between a first locked position, in which the distal tip of the needle extends a first length from a distal end of the dilator, a second locked position, in which the distal tip of the needle extends a second length from the distal end of the dilator less than the first length, and a third locked position, in which the distal tip of the needle is within the dilator.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube in a ready to use position. A valve is positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, the valve having sections that can deflect in a distal direction and sections that can deflect in a proximal direction to open a fluid flow path through the valve. The valve can be deflected by a multi-piece valve opener.

Abstract: A medical needle with a protector (1) includes: a hub (3) that supports a needle tube (2); a protector (4) capable of storing the needle tube (2); a first lock unit (42a, 42b, 73) that locks the hub (3) to the protector (4) capable of unlocking; and a second lock unit (43, 44, 74, 75) that locks the hub (3) to the protector (4) incapable of unlocking. The hub front end has a pair of first protrusion portions (74) in the vertical direction and a pair of second protrusion portions (75) in the horizontal direction. The protector rear end has a pair of protrusion pieces (43) in the horizontal direction and a pair of side wall portions (44) in the vertical direction. The space between the side wall portions (44) is the width of the protrusion portions (74 and 75) or larger and the height of the same or smaller.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a catheter hub being connectable to a device for the infusion or withdrawal of fluids; a hollow extension tube connected at its distal end to the catheter hub, the extension tube connectable at its proximal end to a device for infusing fluid into the chamber within the catheter hub; a valve assembly disposed within the chamber of the catheter hub having a first valve member and a second valve member preventing the flow of fluid through the chamber to or from the proximal end of the catheter hub. A needle guard assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.

Abstract: A crimping system for a prosthetic heart valve comprises an elongate rigid body and a radially flexible, tubular sock. The body has an inner lumen extending along a central longitudinal axis between an insertion end and an outlet end. The inner lumen has a greater diameter at the insertion end than at the outlet end. The sock is configured to receive a radially compressible prosthetic heart valve in a radially expanded state within the sock and to pull the valve through the inner lumen of the rigid body from the insertion end to the outlet end with the sock being positioned between an outer surface of the valve and an inner surface of the rigid body. The valve is radially compressed by the inner surface of the rigid body as the sock pulls the valve along the longitudinal axis toward the outlet end of the lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravenous catheter apparatus comprising a catheter hub arranged at a proximal end of a catheter tube, the catheter hub having an inner surface defining a chamber; a needle having a needle tip at its distal end and extending through the chamber and the catheter tube when in a ready position; and a needle guard slidably arranged on the needle and received in the chamber when the needle is in its ready position, wherein the needle guard is configured to guard the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inserter device for subcutaneously inserting a medical device, the inserter device comprising an outer part comprising one or more locking elements including a first locking element and one or more release elements including a first release element; a housing; and a functional part accommodated in the housing; wherein the housing comprises a sidewall with an inner surface forming a cavity, the housing extending from a first end to a second end along a first axis and comprising one or more housing guide members including a first housing guide member for engagement with one or more guide members of the functional part, and where the housing is at least partly covered by the outer part; wherein the functional part comprises a first part with a first body extending from a first end to a second end along the first axis, the first part comprising one or more first locking members; a second part releasably connected to the first part and comprising a second body extending from a first end

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a catheter carried by a catheter adapter, a needle having a sharp distal tip and disposed in the catheter such that in a first needle position, the needle extending beyond the catheter, a septum actuator having openings, the septum actuator disposed in the catheter adapter and configured to pierce a septum, and a spring clip disposed in the septum actuator and engaging the openings of the septum actuator in the first needle position.

Abstract: Method, system and device involving a needle device with a needle safety element with improved stable structure. A frame can surround the needle safety element to provide added stiffening of the needle safety element. The frame can include stays extending laterally of the needle safety element. The needle safety element with the frame can be slidably located on a needle and in a catheter hub in a ready to use position and be removable from the catheter hub in a protective position.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a flexible catheter, a needle having a sharp distal tip, the needle disposed in the flexible catheter and moving from a first position that exposes the needle to a second position, an outer member that is configured to engage and disengage a catheter hub, an inner member disposed in the outer member, and a needle shield for shielding at least a distal end of the needle when the needle is in the second position and the needle being disposed through the needle shield in the first position.

Abstract: Catheter assembly (10) comprises catheter (22), needle (12) having sharp distal tip disposed in catheter (22), catheter hub (14) housing catheter (22) and needle (12), catheter hub (14) having collar (34) including notch (36), needle shield (20) connected to catheter hub (14) when needle (12) is in first position, and clip (40) disposed in needle shield (20) that cooperates with needle (12), wherein clip (40) engages catheter hub (14) in first position of needle (12), and clip (40) disengages catheter hub (14) via notch (36) when needle (12) is retracted to second position to enclose at least portion of needle (12). Clip (40) is mounted in outer housing (38) of needle shield (20) via spade (66) having outer wall (70) exposed to outside of needle shield (20), in order to reduce overall width of needle shield (20).