Catheter placement system utilizing a handle, a sharp, and a releasable retainer mechanism providing retraction of the sharp upon disengagement of the catheter from the handle

In an intravenous catheter system including a catheter defining an internal passage and a catheter insertion member having an exposed sharpened end extending from the catheter passage when in an extended position, for use in placing the catheter into a blood vessel of a patient, the improvement comprising:

• an insertion device releasably connected to the catheter for manual engagement by a user for use in inserting the sharpened end of the catheter insertion member into the patient's blood vessel to establish communication therewith by the catheter, the insertion device including structure defining an internal passage, wherein the catheter insertion member is releasably engaged with the insertion device when in its extended position so as to extend outwardly from the internal passage and through the catheter passage;
• bias means interconnected between the insertion device and the catheter insertion member for urging retraction of the catheter insertion member from its extended position toward the insertion device internal passage;
• and
• a releasable retainer mechanism interposed between the catheter and the catheter insertion member for retaining the catheter insertion member in its extended position prior to and during insertion of the catheter and the catheter insertion member sharpened end into the blood vessel, and for releasing engagement between the catheter insertion member and the insertion device in response to disengagement of the catheter from the insertion device after placement of the catheter into the blood vessel, to provide retraction of the catheter insertion member from its extended position into the insertion device passage under the influence of the bias means.