#$%^&*AU2012258325A120121213.pdf#####C %NRPonbl\CC\TZS4747150_1.DOC-20/I/2012 ABSTRACT 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 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 tip, the needle guard having two resiliently movable arms which are urged apart in the ready position and a detent 10 disposed within the catheter hub for holding the needle guard in the catheter hub in the ready to use 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 an irregularly configured portion of the needle on the needle shaft slightly proximal of the needle tip after a needle shaft portion 15 proximal of the irregularly configured portion is retracted through the wall to draw the needle guard proximally of the catheter hub with the needle tip blocked by the resilient arms.- 1/3NC CIOj C-4. (00 too N co (NN C4 0 I~ CLLL. 63
