A RETRACTABLE NEEDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A CATHETER AND WHICH USES AN ELASTOMERIC MEMBER TO RETRACT THE NEEDLE

摘要

A retractable needle assembly (12) can be used with a catheter and has a needle holder which is automatically shot back into the assembly body in a sharps safe manner when the canulla needle (13) is moved forward into a vein. The needle is biased to withdraw by an elastic member (22) that is stretched upon use of the needle assembly. Prior to use the elastic member is not stressed. Also disclosed is a valve assembly of a rigid hollow inner member and a compressible outer member. The outer has a self closing opening in register with an open end of the inner member to close the valve. The valve is opened by the outer member being moved away from said open end.