RETRACTABLE VENIPUNCTURE CATHETER NEEDLE AND RECEPTACLE

摘要

Intravenous catheter apparatus includes an eleongated housing surrounding a carrier movable from a first to a second position. An elongated needle, secured at one end to the carrier, extends from the carrier through an opening in the housing so the other end of the needle extends away from the housing when the carrier is in a first position. An actuator with releasable locking means to hold the carrier in the first position extends through an elongated slot in the housing. Movement of the actuator unlocks and slides the carrier from the first to the second position. Permanent locking means on the carrier and on the housing permamently lock the carrier in the second position with the needle fully retracted into the housing.