A
catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety
catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an
insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control
handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the
insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control
handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the
catheter so that a
venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's
circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the
insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.