Importance

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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.

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First Claim