Importance

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Abstract

A device for performing percutaneous puncture treatment of a patient includes an elongate radiolucent plastic handle with a central portion and two opposite elongated end portions. A hollow radiopaque needle has a hub at its proximal end which is releasably mounted in the central portion of the handle so that the needle is perpendicular to an axis through the end portions. The distal end of the needle has a puncturing tip. An internal fluid passage in the needle is open to the tip and the hub so that fluid may be drained from a patient's body through the passage when the needle is inserted in the patient's body. The needle and central portion of the handle are aligned under a field of view of a fluoroscope. The handle is held by the grips which are outside of the field of view of the fluoroscope. While the doctor continuously monitors progress of the needle on the fluoroscope, the puncturing tip is inserted through the skin and moved to an internal location for aspiration of fluid. Medical personnel are safely outside of the field of view of the fluoroscope during the entire process.

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First Claim