Doc nt2-23/10/2013 An IV catheter apparatus including: a catheter hub having a catheter tube extending distally thereof a needle hub having a needle with a shaft and a tip extending distally of the needle hub and extending through the catheter hub and 5 the catheter tube with the needle tip extending beyond the catheter tube, the needle having an irregularly configured portion on the needle shaft slightly proximal of the needle tip a needle guard disposed within the catheter hub and having a ready position in which the needle guard is positioned proximally of the needle tip and a protective position in which the needle guard blocks the needle 10 tip, the needle guard having two resiliently movable arms which are urged apart in the ready position and a detent disposed within the catheter hub for holding the needle guard in the catheter hub in the ready position, wherein the needle guard has a wall proximal and transverse of the arms and through which the needle shaft passes, and means associated with the wall to engage the irregularly configured 15 portion after a portion of the needle shaft which is proximal of the irregularly configured portion is retracted through the wall to draw the needle guard proximally with the needle tip blocked. - co) too ("4i CN c (NN co ca (N L(- (N rr r
