US Patent 6939325 Intravenous catheter and insertion device

To protect against accidental needle prick a catheter and insertion device are provided wherein the needle is retractable within the device after insertion of the catheter. The device includes a hollow barrel or tube of semi-rigid plastic material into which the needle can be retracted after use. The barrel includes a resealable closure at the insertion that opens to allow passage of the needle and catheter and closes to reseal the barrel when the needle is retracted. A cap is provided that covers the barrel to further seal the device after use.