Retractable needle catheter delivery apparatus

Abstract

A catheter insertion system includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis a needle extends distally from a distal end of the housing. The needle has a longitudinal passage coaxially aligned with the housing. A catheter has a length and is sized and shaped to be advanced from a retracted position within the longitudinal passage of the needle to an extended position with at least a portion of the catheter length extending beyond a distal tip of the needle. The needle is typically configured to be retracted back into the housing after the catheter has been distally advanced through the needle, thus providing an integrated catheter and catheter insertion apparatus. After needle retraction, the housing may be taped or otherwise secured to the patient's skin while the needle remains protected within the housing. A luer or other connector on the catheter may then be connected to a fluid or other source in an otherwise conventional manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.