Abstract: An outer unit (101) includes a shield (20) that has an inner cavity (24) and a soft outer needle (30) that is fixed to a front end of the shield. An inner unit (102) includes an inner hub (40) that is disposed within the inner cavity of the shield, a hard inner needle (50) that is fixed to a front end of the inner hub, and a tube (60) that is connected to a rear end of the inner hub. The inner unit is displaceable relative to the outer unit from an initial position at which the inner needle penetrates the outer needle and protrudes from a leading end of the outer needle to a retracted position at which the inner needle is housed within the inner cavity of the shield. The inner unit located at the initial position is fastened to the outer unit so that the inner unit is prevented from moving toward the retracted position due to a reaction force that is exerted on the inner needle during insertion with the inner unit being disposed at the initial position.

Abstract: A sphenocath including a sheath assembly including a sheath hub with a sheath tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the sheath hub to a distal end of the sheath tube; a catheter assembly including a catheter hub with a catheter tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the catheter hub to a distal end of the catheter tube; wherein the catheter assembly passes through the sheath assembly with a portion of the catheter hub engaging a portion of the sheath hub to limit relative rotation between the hubs while permitting relative axial movement such that in an initial non-extended position the distal end of the catheter tube is proximate to the distal end of the sheath tube. A system further including a guidewire is also provided. A method of inserting the catheter tube is also provided.

Abstract: A safety intravenous cannula and catheter device is disclosed. The device permits easy insertion of a cannula made of a biocompatible material into the vein with a guide needle and withdrawal of the guide needle into a safety chamber with an in- built locking mechanism with completely prevents removal and/reuse of the needle. The needle before insertion is protected by a biocompatible sheath which when inserted into the vein and after withdrawal of the needle acts as catheter. Similarly, after withdrawal the needle is locked inside a safety chamber in such a manner that at no time does the user come into contact with the needle or in any danger of accidental injury.

Abstract: A closed IV catheter system, includes a needle shield assembly positioned proximally of a catheter hub and distally of the needle hub. The needle shield assembly cooperates with the catheter hub on the outer circumferential and peripheral surface of the catheter hub. The needle shield adds additional length and width to the closed IV catheter system. An improved manufacturing process with unique materials is also presented.

Abstract: A low-profile universal passive protector is provided for an IV catheter comprising a hypodermic needle and a catheter. An elongate sheath defines a sheath cavity and a longitudinal axis. A slider is connected to the hypodermic needle and is movable along the sheath between first and second positions for withdrawing the needle into the sheath. A finger-press plate is coupled to the sheath and extends beyond the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a plate height. A flashback body is coupled to the slider in a manner such that the flashback body and slider collectively define a cavity in fluid communication with the hypodermic needle. The flashback body is sized and configured to extend from the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a flashback body height that is less than the plate height.

Abstract: The present application discloses a needle tip shielding device for protection of a needle tip of a needle. The needle tip shielding device comprises a fixing arrangement having a proximal side and a distal side, which fixing arrangement is comprising at least one engaging element, which engaging element is resilient and resiliently striving from a compressed state towards an expanded state, in which expanded state the shortest distance between a point of said engaging element and the central axis of said needle tip shielding device is longer than the shortest distance between said central axis and any other point of said needle tip shielding device. A catheter instrument comprising the needle tip shielding device and a method for manufacturing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component.

Abstract: A portal access assembly includes an inserter that has a needle, a cap moveable along the length of the needle and an infuser having a cannula through which the needle extends. A safety mechanism inside the cap allows the needle to be moved relative to the cap so long as the shaft of the needle biases against an edge of one of the legs of the mechanism. After the cannula is properly positioned in the implanted port to establish a fluid path between the port and the infuser, the needle is removed by being pulled upwards until it no longer biases the one leg of the mechanism. At which time the safety mechanism fixedly captures the needle inside the cap to prevent the contaminated tip of the needle from being exposed to the environment. At the same time, the cap is detached from the infuser.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for creating an external percutaneous fluidic connections. In one embodiment, a needle is configured for extending through an endoscope. The needle includes a distal sharp tip and a lumen extending therethrough. The needle extends out of the endoscope within a body cavity to create an incision through a patient's skin. A safety cap is attached over the distal sharp tip without occluding the needle lumen. A wire is inserted through the needle lumen such that it extends from outside the body at the incision, through the body, and outside the body at the patient's mouth. After removing the needle and the endoscope from the body, a PEG device is coupled to the wire at the patient's mouth, and the PEG device is delivered through the upper GI tract and out through the incision.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component.

Abstract: A trocar tip protector includes a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet adjacent to each other. The first inlet is configured to receive and frictionally retain a tip of a trocar sleeve. The second inlet is configured to receive and frictionally retain a tip of a trocar obturator. The housing may be formed by extruding a generally tubular structure and then bending the generally tubular structure into a generally U-shaped configuration that positions the trocar sleeve and the trocar obturator substantially parallel relative to each other when the trocar sleeve tip is inserted into the first inlet of the housing and when the trocar obturator tip is inserted into the second inlet of the housing.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly is provided including an inner catheter member, where that inner catheter member includes a plurality of inner catheter lumens, and an outer sheath with at least one patent sheath lumen. The inner catheter is slidably disposed through a length of the at least one patent sheath lumen in a manner providing a substantially sealing contact between an exterior surface of the inner catheter and an inward surface of the at least one patent sheath lumen. A first of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes a plurality of apertures to the exterior surface of the inner catheter, and a second of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes at least one distal end-tip opening. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are described having a catheter hub with a catheter tube and a needle hub with a needle projecting through the catheter tube. The catheter hub has at least two seals with at least one being a temporary seal that ends or terminates upon movement of a needle and/or a guard. Different needle guards are provided that can be seated differently within the catheter hub to seal against the elastic seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug infusion system comprising a drug infusion device having a reservoir, a window for viewing the contents of the reservoir, a cannula arranged to be deployed beneath the skin of a patient, and an actuator configured to be manually actuated to drive a medicament from the reservoir to the cannula. The system also has a cannula cover and a needle handle that holds a needle for insertion into the patient. The cannula cover and needle handle are detachably attached to the drug infusion device, and each is attachable to the other. The device further comprises a septum and a septum pincher to seal the device. The device also comprises a pumping mechanism, part of which are a last-dose lock-out mechanism and an occlusion detection mechanism, both of which operate on the same actuator.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a catheter introducer or needle assembly and needle shield are disclosed. A needle shield has a blocking object (preferably a ball) which moves from an non-shielding position to a shielding position. The catheter introducer is made by placing the blocking object into the shield and inserting the proximal end of the needle into the shield while the blocking object is in the shielding position. The catheter introducer is made using extruded polymeric tubes which may have coextruded reinforcing.

Abstract: A device for needle biopsy is presented. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. A plurality of protrusions is disposed upon the needle. A needle protection member is partially disposed to the distal portion of the needle housing member. The needle protection member includes a needle protection hub and a needle protection shaft.

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use.

Abstract: The present application concerns a cannula device for mounting in a base part (9) comprising a housing (Ia, 16) and at least one membrane (4) together defining at least 15 one cavity, the cannula device further comprises a cannula (3) mounted in the housing and being in fluid communication with the at least one cavity, said cannula device is provided with means (5) for attaching the device to the base part (9) on the proximal side of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an indwelling needle set which includes a needle tip protector device which adds a minimal length to the needle set to maintain operability of the device. To accomplish this, a needle tip protector device is provided for releasable attachment to the needle set. The protector device includes a body and a protecting sleeve which is movable through an opening in the body from an advanced position located substantially within the body to a retracted position extending rearwardly from the body. The protecting sleeve is dimensioned to slidably receive a puncturing needle which includes an increased diameter position which cannot be withdrawn through the protecting sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion device, which comprises a catheter hub in which a check valve is arranged, and a catheter, which is in fluid communication with the catheter hub, wherein a support element is attached to the catheter, and a flexible buffer element is provided between the support element and the catheter hub.

Abstract: A low-profile universal passive protector is provided for an IV catheter comprising a hypodermic needle and a catheter. An elongate sheath defines a sheath cavity and a longitudinal axis. A slider is connected to the hypodermic needle and is movable along the sheath between first and second positions for withdrawing the needle into the sheath. A finger-press plate is coupled to the sheath and extends beyond the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a plate height. A flashback body is coupled to the slider in a manner such that the flashback body and slider collectively define a cavity in fluid communication with the hypodermic needle. The flashback body is sized and configured to extend from the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a flashback body height that is less than the plate height.

Abstract: A needle tip shielding mechanism is described herein. The shielding mechanism comprises an outer housing, an inner housing, and a needle having a needle feature. Generally, the outer housing comprises at least one adapter-interlock feature. Moreover, the inner housing comprises a needle-feature capture mechanism, such as a washer feature, and a needle-tip capture mechanism, such as duckbilled tip barrier. In some cases, the inner housing is slidably moveable within the outer housing. In such cases, the inner housing is movable between a first position that biases the adapter-interlock feature into an engaged position and a second position that allows the adapter-interlock feature to move to an unengaged position. This ability to bias the interlock feature in the engaged position and to allow the interlock feature to move to the unengaged position allows the shielding mechanism to be selectively coupled to and released from an interlock-feature mating component within a catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device has a generally hollow housing having a closed base end opposite an open distal end. A hollow needle defines a channel in fluidic or pneumatic communication between a distal skin-piercing end and the proximal needle end. A plunger is slidably disposed over at least a portion of the hollow needle. The distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle extends through the plunger distal end. An expandable chamber is at least partially formed by the plunger proximal chamber end and at least an inside surface of the closed based end of the generally hollow needle, where the expandable chamber is in fluidic or pneumatic communication with the channel of the hollow needle through the proximal needle end. The expandable chamber is configured to increase in volume as the plunger moves towards the distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter assembly is disclosed which includes a catheter assembly, a needle assembly and a needle guard assembly. The needle guard assembly includes a needle guard, a biasing member and a bushing. The bushing is slidably positioned about the needle and includes an inner diameter which is smaller than an enlarged diameter portion of the needle such that the needle cannot be withdrawn through the bore of the bushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.

Abstract: A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the system includes a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. In another embodiment, the sheath includes a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.

Abstract: A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base situated to slide along the shaft of a needle. In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being refracted into the needle guard.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: An inner hub (9) with a needle attached to a tip thereof is housed in a cylindrical body (2). The inner hub (9) includes a through-hole (22) penetrating the inner hub (9) in a radial direction of the inner hub (9), and a recessed portion (23a) formed in an outer circumferential surface (23) of the inner hub (9). An opening of the through-hole (22) and the recessed portion (23a) are connected together in a circumferential direction of the inner hub (9). A liquid flowing out from the opening of the through-hole (22) is limited so that the liquid flows along the recessed portion (23a), and the flow of the liquid moving in the circumferential direction of the inner hub (9) is promoted. As a result, the removal of air bubbles in the circumferential direction of the inner hub (9) is promoted, whereby air bubbles can be prevented from remaining on the outer circumferential surface (23) of the inner hub (9).

Abstract: An extravascular system is provided which includes a catheter adapter having a blood control septum configured to control flow of a fluid through the catheter adapter, the catheter adapter further having a catheter configured for intravenous insertion. The extravascular system further includes a septum activator slidably inserted within the catheter adapter and configured for advancement through the blood control septum to provide a fluid pathway through the blood control septum. Further still, the extravascular system includes an external safety mechanism comprising a needle hub and a needle shield interconnected via a tether, wherein the needle shield includes a safety clip that is configured to retain a sharpened end of the introducer needle within the needle shield. Some implementations further comprise an access port forming a portion of the catheter adapter and providing selective access to the lumen of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the protective cover assembly has a hub that is to be mounted on a needle assembly, such as a biopsy needle assembly, a cap that is movable off the hub to move over a cannula or stylet of the needle assembly and a pair of rolls of film within the cap. The rolls of film are secured at one end to the hub to unwind over the cannula. Pressing rolls or springs press the longitudinal edges of the film strips together in sealed relation to encase the cannula while the cap receives the end of the cannula or stylet in sealed relation. In a second embodiment, the cap is integrated with a hub of a needle assembly having a cannula extending from the hub.

Abstract: A needle tip protector is configured in such a manner that a flexible plate is provided to a protector main body over which an action ring is mounted and that the flexible plate undergoes flexural deformation when the action ring is moved to a predetermined position relative to the protector main body. When the flexible plate undergoes flexural deformation, a needle tip of an inner needle to which the protector main body is mounted is protected by a protection part placed at a distal end of the flexible plate. The needle tip protector is also provided with a slip-stop mechanism for preventing the action ring from slipping out of the protector main body in an axial direction of the needle.

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: A retractable needle catheter insertion device is provided with a cannula and a needle positioned within the cannula to assist with insertion of the cannula. After insertion of the cannula into a patient, the needle can retract into a protective sleeve that contains the needle in order to reduce the chance that a medical practitioner will be inadvertently stuck by a used needle. The needle is carried by a needle support that is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A spring biases the needle support and needle toward a retracted position, and the device also includes an activation hub that works in conjunction with the needle support to control retraction of the needle. The retraction may be activated manually by the medical practitioner or may be activated automatically. A modular system and method of manufacturing is also provided in which catheters having either manually or automatic retraction can be manufactured using common parts.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a catheter with a puncturing cannula which may be removed from the catheter without risk of injury for the patient and the nursing staff nor risk of damaging the equipment, and whose tip is protected before as well as after puncturing the body cavity. According to the invention, this object is satisfied by a catheter with removable cannula (1) for puncturing a body cavity, whereas the catheter can be moved freely in the longitudinal direction in the cannula (1). The cannula is characterised in that it is tubular in shape and provided with a longitudinal slot (10) extending over 45° to 180° of the circumference of the cannula (1) and in that it is provided in a tubular sheath (2) so that they can be displaced in the longitudinal direction inside said tubular sheath (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a protective sleeve for containing medical lines, comprising: (a) a foldable sleeve comprising first and second side panels, and adapted to be opened and closed along its longitudinal axis so as to form a conduit for medical lines, at least one of the panels being transparent, the foldable sleeve adapted to be reversibly opened along its longitudinal axis, and having releasable closures to maintain the foldable sleeve in a folded closed position; and (b) a plurality of rigid members incorporated into the sleeve and along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A needle has a distal end, a proximal end, and a stem extending there between, as well as a tip at the distal end. The needle is provided with a safety device being arranged so as to be capable of sliding over the stem and a second position at the distal end of the stem. The safety device also includes a recess having a proximal opening and a distal opening for the needle stem to pass there through, the tip of the needle being inside the recess when the safety device is in the second position. The device includes a closing device that closes the distal opening of the recess when the needle tip is inside the recess.

Abstract: Catheters assemblies having structural configurations operable to reduce backflow along the catheter assembly track, and methods of making and using such catheter assemblies. Catheters assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention find use in various applications including the treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions. An exemplary catheter assembly includes, in one illustrative embodiment, a flexible proximal catheter body portion, and a distal portion of a smaller diameter than the body portion. The distal portion includes a sealed distal tip or end and one or more side flow openings to permit flow of therapeutic substance from the catheter along an axis that is different than, e.g., skewed relative to, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A safety cap for use with a needle, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a needle therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a needle, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the needle from the cap. After use, the needle may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used needle.

Abstract: An insertion device for applying an infusion set to the body of a patient, wherein the device has two actuation members which have to be actuated simultaneously to trigger an insertion movement by which a cannula of the infusion set is introduced into the body and wherein, in some embodiments, one of the actuation members is a securing slide including a contact face to be placed on the body of the patient, the securing slide being actuated by the insertion device being pressed, via the contact face, against the body of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with a needle shield is provided. The needle shield includes a means for preventing unwanted distal movement of the needle once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. The needle shield also includes a means for connecting the needle shield to the catheter hub until the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. Thus, when the distal end of the introducer needle extends from the distal portion of the needle shield, the needle shield is connected to the catheter hub and when the sharp distal end of the introducer needle is withdrawn into the needle shield, the needle shield is disconnected from the catheter hub. At that point, the sharp needle tip is secured within the needle shield.

Abstract: An asymmetrical gripping surface is incorporated into a needle shield of an intravenous catheter assembly. The asymmetrical gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the asymmetrical gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition.

Abstract: A needle assembly for a medical device comprising a needle cannula which is mounted in a hub connectable to a medical device, and which needle assembly comprises releasable locking means which co-operates with the connection means of the hub such that the needle cap is locked to the hub when the releasable locking means is not released. Once the locking means is released by activation of the connection means, the needle cap is unlocked from the hub. The activation of the locking means is preferably done automatically when the needle assembly is attached to the medical device.

Abstract: A safe detained needle is disclosed. The safe detained needle of the present invention comprises a detained trocar, a trocar seat, a puncture needle, a protective seat, and a needle seat. The protective seat comprises a through hole, a rebound unit, and a sticking plate. When the puncture needle is withdrawn from the detained trocar and the trocar seat, the tip of the puncture needle is restricted in the protective scat by the rebound unit and the sticking plate for preventing the tip of the puncture form being exposed outside.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is manufactured by positioning a portion of a friction plate or clip on a medical needle and then further orienting the remaining portion so that the tolerance is optimized for resetting the clip on the medical needle.

Abstract: A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are described having a catheter hub with a catheter tube and a needle hub with a needle projecting through the catheter tube. The catheter hub has a valve or a septum for stopping or slowing down the flow of fluid in or out of the catheter hub when the valve or septum is closed. The valve has features formed thereon to facilitate venting, opening, closing, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are described having a catheter hub with a catheter tube and a needle hub with a needle projecting through the catheter tube. The catheter hub has at least two seals with at least one being a temporary seal that ends or terminates upon movement of a needle and/or a guard. Different needle guards are provided that can be seated differently within the catheter hub to seal against the elastic seal.

Abstract: A safety intravenous (IV) catheter assembly is disclosed which includes a safety device having a housing defining a cavity and distal and proximal openings, and a biasing member positioned within the cavity. The biasing member is movable from a first position to a second position to tilt the housing in relation to the needle when the needle tip is withdrawn through the distal opening of the housing to misalign the needle tip and the distal opening. A blocking arm is provided on the biasing member to prevent the biasing member from moving from the second position back to the first position.