A DIVIDABLE INTRODUCER CATHETER AND POSITIVE-LOCK NEEDLE GUARD COMBINATION

摘要

An introducer catheter and needle guard assembly combination (10) used with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is disclosed. The needle guard assembly (12) includes a sliding needle hub (23) for positively locking a needle in the needle guard assembly. The introducer catheter (11) includes a tube portion (13) and connector (25) that can be divided into two halves. The needle guard assembly is secured to the introducer catheter and the extended needle and introducer catheter are inserted into the body of a patient. The needle (22) and needle guard assembly can then be removed from the introducer catheter. A PICC line or other similar line can then be inserted through the catheter tube and into the patient. The tube portion (13) and connector of the catheter are then divided into two halves so that the entire introducer catheter can be removed from the PICC line, or other similar line, that is inserted into the body of a patient.