An intravenous (IV) catheter apparatus comprising: a tubular catheter (10) having a proximal end (50) and a distal end (16) mounted to a catheter hub (40)； a needle (12) defining an axial direction (A) having a needle shaft (22) with a needle tip (14) at a distal end (16) and a needle hub mounted to the proximal end (50) of the needle shaft (22)； a needle guard (30) arranged movably on the needle shaft (22), wherein said needle shaft (22) extends through said tubular catheter (10) such that said needle tip (14) of said needle (12) protrudes from said distal end (16) of said tubular catheter (10)； and wherein said needle shaft (22) is provided with: an engagement means (26) adapted to engage with the said needle guard (30) in order to prevent said needle guard (30) from sliding off said needle tip (14)； and one or more lateral openings (28) covered by said tubular catheter (10). FIG. 7
