NEEDLE SHIELDING PAWL STRUCTURES

An extravascular system is provided which includes a catheter assembly and a needle assembly. The needle assembly includes a needle cap containing a needle shield. The needle shield may be a V-clip having a pawl. The pawl may communicate with an extension on the needle shield by forming a bend between the pawl and the extension. The bend may include at least one dent, and the dent may be formed within the center of the bend. Alternatively, the bend may include a plurality of dents. The plurality of dents may be placed at various locations over the pawl width. The pawl may be folded back onto itself. Indeed, the pawl may be folded back on itself to form essentially a pawl of double thickness. In addition, the pawl may be constructed with a bend of various angles. The angle of the bend between the pawl and the extension may be less than 90°. The angle may be in the range of from about 90° and about 70°. The pawl may also include a corrugated design or structure.