Passive safety i.v. blood collection catheter

Abstract

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.