| abstract |
An enclosed needle catheter insertion device ( 10 ) includes a catheter ( 12 ) and a needle insertion device ( 14 ) which are held together by cooperating arms ( 52, 53 ) with one or more detents ( 56 ) cooperating with a radially projecting surface ( 26 ) of the catheter hub ( 16 ). Insertion device ( 14 ) includes a guard housing ( 30 ) to enclose a needle ( 34 ) in a shielded position and a support housing ( 32 ) supporting the needle ( 34 ) for movement between a ready position, with the tip ( 36 ) of the needle ( 34 ) exposed, to the shielded position. Cooperating lock elements ( 47, 78 ) are provided for the housings ( 30, 32 ) which are positioned to define a lock actuation stage between the ready and shielded positions, whereat the needle is still within a passageway ( 54 ) defined by the cooperating arms ( 52, 53 ). |