Importance

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Abstract

A method for inserting a drain catheter into an antrum includes the steps of securing a needle holder to the trailing end of a needle, positioning a hammer in predetermined spaced relation to the trailing end of the needle holder, loading a bias member so that it urges the hammer to strike the needle holder, restraining the hammer to maintain the load on the hammer, and quickly releasing the hammer and allowing it to strike the needle holder so that the leading end of the needle punctures the bone of the antrum wall. A first dampening member decelerates the hammer at the end of its displacement, and a second dampening member decelerates the needle and needle holder at the end of their joint displacement. A rigid tube is disposed in ensleeving relation to the needle so that the leading end of the tube is positioned in predetermined proximity to the point of the needle so that the leading end of the tube is carried into the antrum when the needle point punctures the antrum wall. A flexible catheter ensleeves a trailing end of the needle and a trailing end of the tube, and the catheter is bonded to the tube so that the tube and catheter remain together as a unit when the needle is withdrawn from the antrum. The tube and catheter provide a drain when the needle is withdrawn, the catheter having a trailing end that extends exteriorly of a patient's nose to facilitate drainage of the antrum.

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First Claim