US Patent 9370327 Medical devices with retractable needle and related methods

Needle safety assemblies and related methods are disclosed. Exemplary needle safety assemblies include a needle with a sharpened tip attached directly or indirectly to an elongate tube having a proximal end that is constrained from proximal axial movement. An elongate shield with a distal end opening and a body extends over at least a portion of the elongate tube. A needle holder is coupled to the elongate shield and fixed axially. The needle holder has a proximal opening sized and shaped to receive a sampling device, such as a vacutainer. A tab having a pin extends radially outwardly from the elongate tube and through a slot formed with the elongate shield, which is movable to move the needle.