PASSIVE SAFETY I.V. BLOOD COLLECTION CATHETER
Apparatus and methods for a single, handheld device that provides for both insertion of a catheter and collection of a fluid. Some embodiments further include a needle that assists in the insertion of the catheter into a blood vessel, and which includes a retraction feature that protects the user from an accidental needle stick when the device is ready for disposal. Still further embodiments include a protective cover that prevents a user from accidentally being stuck by a second needle used for the introduction of the patient's blood into a collection device.
1 - 49 . (canceled)
50 . A method for automatically retracting a needle from a catheter, comprising:
providing a first hollow needle extending in a distal direction from the lumen of a catheter;
providing a flowpath from the first hollow needle to a second hollow needle, the second hollow needle being aligned with a second axis that is laterally displaced from the first axis of the first hollow needle;
extending the tip of the second hollow needle through an aperture in a slidable cover;
retracting the first hollow needle from the lumen in a proximal direction along the first axis; and
automatically sliding the cover along the second axis during said retracting.
51 . The method of claim 50 which further comprises separating the first hollow needle from the catheter before said retracting.
52 . The method of claim 50 wherein said automatically sliding the cover is to a position that is proximal of the tip.
53 . The method of claim 50 wherein said extending is in a proximal direction.
54 . The method of claim 50 which further comprises automatically locking the cover in a position after said automatically sliding.
55 . The method of claim 50 wherein the flowpath is flexible.
56 . The method of claim 50 wherein said automatically sliding the cover is by pushing the cover with the retracting first hollow needle.
57 . The method of claim 50 wherein said automatically sliding the cover is by expanding a coiled spring.