Catheter placement device including an extensible needle safety component

An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user during advancement of the guidewire and the catheter.