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A universal passive protector for an IV catheter is provided. The
protector comprises an over-the-needle catheter including a proximal
hub. The hub is secured within a hub trap comprising first and second
interlocking arms. The hub trap is secured to a distal end of a
tubular sheath. A slider is disposed about the sheath, and connected
to a proximal end of the needle through a slit in the sheath. When
the slider is in a distal position, the needle maintains the arms
in a closed configuration wherein the hub is secured to the hub
trap. When the slider is moved to a proximal position, the needle
moves to a proximal position wherein the needle no longer maintains
the arms in a closed position. The arms snap to an open position,
releasing the hub and trapping the sharp distal tip of the needle
within the sheath. Medical technicians are thus protected against
accidental needle sticks.
An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and
a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred
positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter.
Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure,
permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly
into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid
venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder.
The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable
through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing
to facililate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling
the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.
A device for delivering an IV catheter to an IV infusion site is
disclosed. The device includes a cylindrical housing adapted to
fit into the hand of the clinician. A catheter assembly is disposed
in the housing and can be advanced to an extended position and retracted.
The catheter assembly includes a needle adapted to be inserted into
the vein and the catheter is mounted on the needle to allow the
catheter to be removed at will. The catheter assembly is rotated
as the needle is inserted into the vein. Preferably the catheter
assembly is rotated during the insertion of the needle and catheter.
After the needle and catheter are inserted into the vein, the needle
is retracted into the housing leaving the catheter in place. The
housing and the needle can now be discarded.
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard
received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal
arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes
for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter,
it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of
the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the
needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto
the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the
needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle
can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed
in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the
protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter
hub.
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