Illuminated hypodermic needle

Claim 1

A hypodermic needle assembly comprising in combination a portable light source, a hypodermic needle releasably connected at its proximal end to the light source, the needle being adapted to emit light at its distal end to facilitate venopuncture under subdued lighting conditions, the emitted light making it easier to locate and penetrate the vein, a bundle of light conducting optical fibers positioned in the interior of the needle and extending from adjacent the proximal to adjacent the distal end thereof, the bundle having a light receiving face at its proximal end for receiving light from the light source and having a light emitting face at its distal end for illuminating the distal end of the needle, the bundle occupying a portion only of the interior of the needle whereby an unoccupied longitudinal passage remains for the flow of blood from the distal back to the proximal end of the needle after penetration of the vein, and a flexible catheter releasably mounted on the needle and extending from a point adjacent its proximal to a point adjacent its distal end, the catheter being adapted to enter the vein after the distal end of the needle has punctured same after which the needle can be withdrawn from the catheter.