CATHETER AND PLACEMENT NEEDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RETRACTABLE NEEDLE

摘要

A catheter and needle assembly includes a hollow handle with a longitudinal axisdefining a cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end that defines a wall with an inside surface and an outside surface that has an axial protuberance thereon. The protuberance having an axial opening through said wall into the cavity. The assembly also includes a catheter with a proximal end, a distal end and an open passageway therethrough. The catheter has a hub affixed to the catheter proximal end, the catheter hub being releasably mounted on the protuberance so that the catheter projects axially from the distal end of the handle. Included in the assembly is an elongate needle with an open bore therethrough with a sharp distal point and a proximal end. The needle has a first position wherein it is disposed within the cavity through the opening and into the catheter passageway so that the sharp distal point of the needle projects axially beyond the distal end of the catheter. A spring directly acts on the needle to urge the needle to a second position wherein the needle is substantially within the cavity. The assembly has a releasable latch associated with the handle to retain the needle in the first position, the latch is movable to a release position wherein the latch no longer retains the needle in said first position.