Compact catheter insertion apparatus

Invention relates to catheter placement devices for peripheral blood vessel catheterization with protected needle tip and shortened length in a transport position (see FIG. 31 ). In the transport position (FIG. 9 ), the needle and catheter units ( 1 and 5 ) are held inside the handle ( 8 ). User transposes the needle and catheter units into a duty ready position ( FIG. 6 ), wherein the needle unit is engaged with the handle distal end and a catheter hub ( 7 ) protrudes distally out of the handle. After catheter insertion into patient vein, user disconnects the needle unit and handle allowing the needle unit retraction by a resilient member ( 11 ) into the protection position. The trigger and transposing means ( 22 ) location enables the apparatus single handed control. The fixation means ( 31 ) in the protection position eliminates repeated needle unit advance. It can be used rubber or spiral spring resilient members and the catheter hubs with foldable side wings and side port.