Safety stylet for intravenous catheter insertion

摘要

A catheter insertion device (10) has a stylet (12) with a needle (14) extending therefrom. A catheter (16) has a cannula (20) surrounding the needle (14) and a connection hub (22) supported upon an alignment member (24) at the front of the stylet (12). A spring (44) exerts a rearward force upon the needle (14). A needle retaining member (14) having a releasable latch mechanism is positioned within the stylet (12) for counteracting the rearward force of the spring (44) and holding the needle in the extended position. After insertion of the catheter (16) within a blood vessel of a patient, a predetermined force is applied to an actuating member (64) protruding from the rear of the stylet (12). The actuating member (64) releases the latch mechanism, and the needle (44) is propelled by the spring (44) to be permanently retained within an internal cavity (72) of the stylet (12).