This invention relates to a safety intravenous (I. V.) Catheter and, in particular, to
a safety intravenous (I. V.) Catheter device which is automated to provide a self
automated device for retraction of the needle. In particular, the intravenous
catheter device for the invention has been provided to reduce needle stick injuries,
spread of hospital acquired infections and also avoid environmental concerns /
hazards in its use and disposal. Importantly also apart from being safe and user
friendly the intravenous catheter device is cost effective to favour wide scale
application and use of the catheter device and the safety features is activated by
use of a switch and is not dependent on the skill of a person. The present invention
is different from prior art available in Safety I.V. Catheters.
BACKGROUND ART
It is well known that in health care, one of the most relevant concerns relate to
provision of safe hospital environment, in particular, members of hospital and
medical staff are required to be assured that they are not subject to any unwanted
infection while caring for patients. Such adequate care and concern for safe
medical attention and treatment is important not only in hospitals but also for any
health care environments such as those required in nursing homes, health homes
and related health care facilities and provisions.
Intravenous (I.V.) Catheters are well known medical devices used to obtain
continuous vascular access in patients. Such a device generally consists of a
hollow-bore needle and an over-the-needle plastic tubing used to access the lumen
of a blood vessel of a patient. The intravenous (I.V.) Catheter for such purpose is

advanced into the vessel and is used in administering intravenous fluids,
medications or blood products. Importantly, in such application and use since the
(I.V.) Catheter is placed percutaneously, the hollow-bore needle stylet becomes
blood contaminated and when the blood vessel lumen is accessed, the needle-
stylet becomes blood -filled.
Needle stick injuries from intravenous (I.V.) Catheter stylets are in the high risk
category for potential transmission of blood borne pathogens to the injured health
care worker, since the same are hollow bore needles which are usually filled with
undiluted blood. The blood borne pathogens of greatest concerns include human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent of the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.
As per hospital reports, one-third nurses and laboratory staff suffer from needle
stick injuries every year. HIV transmission through needle injuries is 0.3% of all
modes of contaminations. The rate of HIV transmission through needle stick
injuries is 2-7% of all means. Injuries from used needle or contact with infected
blood on the needle pose serious dangers to health care workers. The nurses are
most vulnerable to needle stick injuries among health workers. Apart from health
care workers, cleaners, laundry workers, porters, ragpickers etc. are also prone to
health hazards caused by improper waste disposal methods. Blood exchange
through needle stick injuries can pass on over about 20 deadly pathogens and
microorganisms. Health staff with significant exposure to HIV is 6-30% risk of

getting infected. Atleast one in eight health care workers is exposed to fatal
infection through needle stick injuries.
To avoid the above hazards of needle stick injuries guidelines have also been
provided to benefit medical staff, laboratory staff and employees for protection
and minimizing the risk of such contamination / transmission of infection through
needle. However, it is obvious that the effectiveness of such precautionary
guidelines would depend on accountability, education, training and vigilant
compliance. Such precautionary guidelines while being important and most
certainly required to be followed, negligence and non-compliance of such
guidelines can and usually lead to the afore-discussed problems and complexities
of needle stick injuries and hospital acquired infection. It is, therefore, important
not only to provide the guidelines but also human care systems/devices, which
would minimize the risk of such unwanted contamination especially due to human
lapses which can take place any moment and lead to injuries / contaminations of
even serious nature such as the HIV / HCB transmission.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is thus the basic object of the present invention to provide a automated safety
intravenous (I.V.) Catheter. In such a safety device, the needle is retracted by
pressing a switch and is not dependent solely on the skill of the user.
Another object of the present invention is directed to provide for an intravenous
(I.V.) Catheter device which would favour safety and effective use of (I.V.)

Catheter which would not be subject to any high risk in its use and application as
a potential vehicle for transmission of blood borne pathogen to the health care
workers.
A further object of the present invention is directed to an intravenous (I.V.)
Catheter device which would be simple and cost effective to manufacture and
would also be safe for wide scale application and use without fear or
accompanying hazards of needle stick injuries or spread of hospital acquired
infection and any person can with normal training activate such safety mode. The
present invention discounts percentage of failure in respect of the use of the
product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention there is provided an
automated intravenous (I.V.) Catheter safety device with two sleeves, internal and
external. The sleeves are made hollow in a manner that there can be internal
fitments. The circumference of the external sleeve is larger than the internal sleeve
so that the internal sleeve can fit into the external sleeve. Further the internal
sleeve has two slots for the free movement of switch in the smaller slot and needle
hub in the larger slot.
An automated device which is comprising the external sleeve, and an internal
sleeve whereby the specialized needle is fitted into the internal sleeve with one
end touching the hub pusher and the other end pushing the needle hub. The two

sleeves are made in such a manner whereby, the external sleeve is allowed to slide
on the body of the internal sleeve. The specialized spring is packed in a
compressed position inside the internal sleeve.
According to an aspect of the intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device of the invention,
the internal sleeve is placed inside the external sleeve and the portion of the
internal sleeve nearer to the hub pusher is accompanied by a switch which has a
pushable top.
Importantly, the intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device comprises a one way valve
adapted to facilitate extra medication and prevent back flow. The said one way
valve preferably comprises a silicone tube. Also, the said one way valve is
provided with cap means incorporating a recessed plug with protective skirt to
effectively prevent contamination when the valve is not in use. Advantageously
also the said one way valve cap is adapted for resting the finger to facilitate
effective two-point grip for cannulation.
It would be apparent from the above that the above disclosed automated
intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device is adapted to ensure safe and user friendly
application and use of such catheter devices.
In particular, the catheter device of the invention apart from serving the basic need
of a catheter essentially takes care of problems of needle stick injuries and spread
of hospital acquired infection through the needle used for cannulation.
Importantly, the above catheter device is adapted such that when the cannulation

is done, the switch is pushed back by the user with use of his finger. This would
activate the compressed spring to achieve its released position resulting in
simultaneous retraction of needle and being lodged in such a manner that the
needle length runs the length of the internal sleeve and external sleeve which
leaves its earlier position of being over the internal sleeve to run in continuation in
a compartmentalized manner with the internal sleeve. However, the ends of the
two sleeves would remained joined together by corner of the external sleeve
running over the internal sleeve's corner by method of corresponding grooves and
projections in the corners of the sleeves.
As disclosed above in accordance with the preferred aspect, the catheter device
involves a automated switch system which releases the compressed spring to
activate the safety mechanism. The released spring pushes the needle hub and also
pushes the external sleeve and results in retraction of the needle inside the sleeves.
As also provided by way of invention, the safety (I.V.) Catheter is a safety device
adapted to protect the user against needle stick injuries.
Importantly, in accordance with preferred aspect, the safety (I.V.) Catheter
includes a one-way valve (Silicon tube) to facilitate extra medication and to
prevent back flow. The catheter hub can be with or without wings according to
specification. Advantageously, the valve is provided with selectively adapted pot
cap incorporating a recessed plug with protective skirt to effectively prevent
contamination when the valve is not in use. Moreover the pot cap is also adapted
for resting the finger to facilitate effective two-point grip for cannulation. It offers

safe and convenient needleless methods of a traumatic administration of
medicines.
In accordance with further preferred aspect the intravenous catheter device
comprises colour coated pot cap for gauge size identification. Moreover, the
provision is made for angled and grooved wings adapted to offer easy fixation.
More importantly, the above disclosed intravenous catheter device is adapted to
facilitate simple and safe use of catheter without the need for specialized training
for such range of safety intravenous (I.V.) Catheter.
The details of the invention, its objects and advantages are explained hereunder in
greater details in relation to non-limiting exemplary illustration as per the
following accompanying figures:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
Figure 2 is the complete intravenous (I.V.) catheter wherein the individual parts
have been numbered as below:
1. Portion marked as 1 is the needle
2. Portion marked as 2 is the Catheter
3. Portion marked as 3 is Teflon holder
4. Portion marked as 4 is the silicon tube
5. Portion marked as 5 is catheter hub (this catheter hub can be with wings or
without wings)
6. Portion marked as 6 is pot cap

7. Portion marked as 7 is the hub pusher
8. Portion marked as 8 is a spring specialized
9. Portion marked as 9 is the switch
10. Portion marked as 10 is internal sleeve
11. Portion marked as 11 is the external sleeve
12. Portion marked as 12 is the needle hub
13. Portion marked as 13 is the porous plug
14. Portion marked as 14 is the sleeve cover
15. Portion marked as 15 is the leur lock
16. Portion marked as 16 is the needle cover
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the automated intravenous (I.V.) catheter.
Figure 3 is an illustration of the automated intravenous catheter device of Figure 2
shown in cannulation position.
Figure 4 illustrates the automated intravenous catheter device with the finger
pressing the switch.
Figure 5 illustrates the automated safety intravenous catheter showing the spring
in its released position activated by the switch with one end touched to hub pusher
and other end touching the sleeve corner. The expansion of the spring opens the
two sleeves so that the external sleeve by pressure of opening of the spring from
its compressed position is pushed to slide on the internal sleeve and reaches
maximum expansion corresponding the length of the needle.

Figure 6 illustrates the unretractable compartment created by opening of the two
sleeves in a manner that the needle is locked between the hub pusher and sleeve
cover.
Figure 7 illustrates the parts in the automated device.
Reference is first invited to accompanying figure 1, which shows the automated
intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device in accordance with the present invention with
the provision of two sleeves, one internal and another external. It would be
apparent from figure 1 that in this position, the switch is shown fitted after the hub
pusher and before the internal sleeve. In fact, the internal sleeve is fitted in a
manner such that its one end is fixed with hub pusher and the needle hub is placed
inside the internal sleeve at a space provided for its placement with specialized
spring inside the internal sleeve in a compressed condition between the hub
pusher and needle hub.
Reference is now invited to accompanying figure 3, which shows the manner of
cannulation with needle coming out from catheter hub and completing the
cannulation.
Reference is now invited to Figure 4 and 5, which go to illustrate the manner of
the safety features of the product. The switch is pressed with the finger and with
downward movement the spring is released. This spring is released from its
compressed position thereby pushing the external sleeve to slide on the body of
the internal sleeve thereby creating a unretractable compartment corresponding to

the length of the needle. The needle is thus pulled inside and is fitted inside the
two sleeves which creates an unretractable compartment.
Such a provision of the automated intravenous (I.V.) catheter device therefore
achieves the required safety in I.V. cannulation and adapted to protect the user
against needle stick injuries.
Reference is now invited to Figure 6. The unretracted compartment is created by
extreme opening of the sleeves joined together and needle retracted inside the two
sleeves.
Figure 7 illustrates the part of automated device< The purpose of the switch is to
release the spring.
The method of application and use of the above safety (I.V.) Catheter of the
invention is further detailed hereunder:-
Thus in use of the catheter device initially the position of the catheter insertion is
cleaned using alcohol wipes. Thereafter, the skin is punctured by using the needle
tip which is inside a thin plastic tubiage. The needle tip is moved forward to
puncture the vein.
Subsequently, the needle withdrawing action is initiated by withdrawing the
needle out from the cannula and leaving the plastic tubing inside the body. The
catheter hub of the catheter remains outside for giving medication. The process of

the interaction is to lead to a position where the needle tip is adapted to get
enclosed with in the unretractable compartment created by two sleeves.
Such unretractable compartment is achieved as apparent from the above figures of
the intravenous (I.V.) safety catheter by way of downward movement of the
switch caused by pushing the switch back by the finger of the user. The downward
movement releases the spring; and thus creating a position that by opening of the
spring, the external sleeve slides on the body of the internal sleeve so that the
compartmentalized two sleeves run the length of the needle.
As would be apparent from the above, the intravenous (I.V.) safety catheter thus
achieves the locking of the needle tip within the unretractable compartment free of
any exposure to avoid needle stick injury and / or any spread of hospital acquired
infection by way of unwanted needle contamination. Finally, by way of the above
safe and convenient locking of the needle within the unretractable compartment in
the catheter system of the invention, it is possible to safely discard the needle
safely put inside the unretractable compartment in the sharps container.
Advantageously, the above (I.V.) Catheter is adapted to function as safe device to
protect the user against needle stick injuries. The above safe catheter device
involving the unretractable compartment created by the two sleeves by opening of
the spring can be obtained of simple materials including polypropylene, low
density poly ethylene, poly carbonate, stainless steel, acronytrle butadiene styrene,
silicon rubber, Floropolymer/ Poly urathene, hardened spring steel.

The hub pusher, catheter hub, switch, external and internal sleeves, sleeve cover,
needle hub and leur lock are made of polypropylene. The needle is made of
stainless steel and pot cap is made of low density polyethylene and specialized
spring is made up of hardened spring steel.
The one way valve can be obtained of silicon tube and adapted to facilitate extra
medication and prevent back flow. The valve is specifically adapted to incorporate
a recessed plug with protective skirt to effectively prevent contamination when the
valve is not in use. Advantageously also pot cap is adapted for resting the finger to
facilitate effective two-point grip for cannulation. The system offers safe and
convenient needle less method for a traumatic administration of medicines. The
switch is also made of plastic. Moreover, it is possible to provide color coded pot
cap for gauge size identification. Angled and groove wings can be provided to
offer easy fixation and prevent positioning and rolling of cannula over the
patient's body. The catheter device so introduced in this invention is user friendly
and provide a safe and simple catheter device for doctors and paramedical staff as
the operative part of the safety device is easy and comprehended by all.
WE CLAIM:
1. An automated intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device wherein there are two sleeves
internal and external and whereas the internal periphary of the external sleeve is
larger than the outer periphary of the internal sleeve ensuring the fitment of the
internal sleeve into the external sleeve and the external sleeve slide on the body of
the internal sleeve and the internal sleeve is fitted with retracted spring with one

end touches the hub pusher and other end pushes the needle hub. The downward
movement of the switch releases the spring to its released position pushing the
external sleeve and pushing the needle hub and locking the needle inside the
unretractable compartment comprising of two sleeves.
2. An intravenous (I. V.) Catheter device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switch
by its downward movement released the spring from its compressed position.
3. An automated intravenous catheter as claimed in claim 1 wherein device has
two sleeves internal sleeve and external sleeve and both are hollow providing
space for fitment.
4. An automated intravenous catheter where the internal sleeve has two slots,
smaller slot for free movement of switch and larger slot for free movement of the
needle hub.
5. An automated intravenous catheter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device
has a specialized spring which is first fitted in compressed position.
6. An automated in travenous (I. V.) Catheter device as claimed in claim 1
wherein the external sleeve is fitted in a manner to slide on the body of the
internal sleeve.
7. An automated in travenous (I. V.) Catheter device as claimed in claim 1
wherein the opening of the external sleeve is caused by the pressing of the switch
which releases the spring from its compressed position.

8. An automated in travenous (I. V.) Catheter device as claimed in claim 1
wherein the two sleeves create a compartmentalized position whereby the two
sleeves are attached by extreme corners only and wherein the two sleeves create
an unretractable compartment.
9. An automated intravenous (I. V.) Catheter device as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the needle is pulled inside the unretractable compartment by pressure of release of
specialized spring.
10. An automated intravenous (I.V.) Catheter device with switch substantially as
herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.
Dated this 4th day of April 2009.

This invention relates to an automated safety intravenous
(I.V.) catheter and in particular, a safety intravenous (I.V.)
catheter device with a switch which is provided near the said
hub pusher and on the internal sleeve and downward
movement of the switch releases the spring in a manner that
its force pushes the external sleeve to slide and two sleeves
create a compartment corresponding to the length of the
needle and the needle is pulled inside the unretractable
compartment and is safely placed inside with no injury
possible to the user.