#$%^&*AU2019253911A120191114.pdf#####- 15ABSTRACT A catheter insertion device comprising: a catheter hub comprising an interior cavity having an opening at a proximal end; a catheter tube having a distal end opening 5 extending distally of the catheter hub; a needle having a needle shaft defining a needle axis projecting distally of an end of a needle hub, said needle projecting through the catheter tube and comprising a needle tip; a valve positioned inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub, said valve obstructing fluid flow and comprises a slit; said valve remaining inside the interior cavity of the catheter hub when the needle is removed 10 from the catheter tube and the catheter hub; a valve actuating element slidingly disposed in the interior cavity of the catheter hub to actuate the valve in a distal direction, the valve actuating element comprising a tapered nose section with an opening structured to push the valve to open the slit, and at least one plunger element extending proximally of the nose section and having a cross-sectional dimension 15 smaller than the nose section and a proximal end surface; wherein the at least one plunger element is slidable distally within the catheter hub when the proximal end surface is pressed distally to push the valve to open the slit; and a needle protective device positioned proximal of the valve and at least in part around the needle and distal of the proximal end of the needle hub in a ready position, the needle protective device 20 is movable to prevent unintended needle sticks.