IV catheter introducer with retractable needle

Abstract

An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facilitate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 047,662, filed Oct. 26, 2001.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention is a medical device used to insert a catheter into a patient's body, especially for the intravenous delivery of a fluid. More particularly, the invention is a catheter introducer having a retractable needle that prevents reuse and avoids needle stick injuries to medical personnel and others. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Catheter insertion devices are well known. When a catheter is inserted into a patient for the intravenous delivery of a fluid, a disposable needle passing through the catheter is utilized to puncture a vein to permit entry of the catheter. The needle is then withdrawn, leaving the catheter in place for connection to an IV bag or bottle, or to be capped for later use. [0006] In recent years, because of the prevalence of blood-borne p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] A single use IV catheter introducer is disclosed that provides significant advantages over prior art devices, even those comprising retractable needles. Principal structural improvements include a reliable detent structure that holds the needle holder and plunger in proper positional alignment prior to needle retraction; following insertion of the catheter; a plunger end cap that vents air displaced from inside the plunger bore during needle retraction; and a transparent viewing area that permits the user to view the flash chamber of the needle holder more easily through the clear plastic housing. Other improvements include barrel wings that facilitate one-handed operation and prevent the catheter introducer from rolling when placed on a surface, a needle holder opening that is tapered to permit easy insertion of the flash chamber plug during manufacture, and a needle holder configuration that prevents the blunt needle end from being occluded during manufacture and makes the flow of blood into the flash chamber more visible.

[0009] The IV catheter introducers of the invention have few parts, can be manufactured reliably at high speed, significantly reduce the likelihood of premature needle retraction during storage and handling, are easily useable in one hand, and will protect medical and other ancillary personnel from accidental needle sticks and the possibility of resultant infection by blood-borne pathogens. Use of the present invention also affords significant economic benefits to health care providers and insurers through reduced testing and follow-up costs.

Problems solved by technology

Many of the prior art devices contain numerous complicated parts that substantially increase manufacturing costs and interfere with the user's ability to feel when the needle is properly inserted into the patient.

Other devices require two-handed operation or are prone to premature needle retraction during shipment, storage and handling.

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