Epidural needle having a distal flare
US6565542B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0656
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for injecting fluid into the epidural space. An improved epidural needle or cannula is provided having a distal bulge or flare located within a few millimeters of the distal tip. The distal flare provides an increased resistance to penetration while the needle is penetrating the ligamentum flavum, and a decrease in resistance to penetration after the distal flare has successfully penetrated the ligamentum flavum. In a preferred embodiment, the distal bulge begins proximally at a distance of less than about 6 millimeters from the distal tip. The epidural needle according to the present invention preferably has the distal bulge or flare beginning proximally at a distance from the distal tip of less than the width of the epidural space. In one method according to the present invention, an epidural needle having a distal flare is advanced to the ligamentum flavum, advanced further through the ligamentum flavum at a perceived higher resistance to travel, until a decrease in resistance to travel is perceived, at which time the distal flare has penetrated the ligamentum flavum into the epidural space, at which time further advancement is stopped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.