Abstract: Epidural catheters include a tubular member and at least one bend indicator located proximate a distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter. Catheter assemblies may include such catheters. Methods of inserting an epidural catheter having a bent distal end into a patient include bending a catheter at a location proximate at least one bend indicator formed proximate a distal end of the catheter and inserting at least a portion of the catheter into a patient. Methods of making an epidural catheter include forming a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and forming at least one bend indicator on the catheter proximate the distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter.

Abstract: Stylet assemblies include one or more securing members extending from a base portion of the stylet assembly and configured to removably attach to a portion of an associated structure. Catheter kits and catheter assemblies may include such stylet assemblies. Methods of using a catheter assembly may include inserting at least a portion of a stylet coupled to a stylet cap in a catheter associated with a catheter connection and securing a portion of the stylet cap to only a portion of the catheter connection hub.

Abstract: Epidural catheters include a tubular member and at least one bend indicator located proximate a distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter. Catheter assemblies may include such catheters. Methods of inserting an epidural catheter having a bent distal end into a patient include bending a catheter at a location proximate at least one bend indicator formed proximate a distal end of the catheter and inserting at least a portion of the catheter into a patient. Methods of making an epidural catheter include forming a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and forming at least one bend indicator on the catheter proximate the distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter.

Abstract: Stylet assemblies include one or more securing members extending from a base portion of the stylet assembly and configured to removably attach to a portion of an associated structure. Catheter kits and catheter assemblies may include such stylet assemblies. Methods of using a catheter assembly may include inserting at least a portion of a stylet coupled to a stylet cap in a catheter associated with a catheter connection and securing a portion of the stylet cap to only a portion of the catheter connection hub.

Abstract: An improved needle for directional placement of the needle into or to a target area, such as a blood vessel or organ, for the purpose of performing an invasive procedure with a minimal amount of trauma to the target area. The needle comprises a connection hub, a needle shaft, and a flexible tip member connected to a distal end of the needle shaft to facilitate maneuvering the needle through tortuous passages within the body. The flexible tip member includes a blunt end that prevents or reduces trauma to tissues and vessels that are contacted with the distal portion of the needle during positioning of the needle. The invention further comprises a flexible-tipped needle having a balloon sealingly attached to a distal end of the spring tip member. The flexible-tipped balloon needle includes an inflatable balloon sealingly connected to the distal end of the flexible tip member.

Abstract: A novel stellate ganglion sympathetic block needle having a side port positioned at a predetermined distance from the needle tip. The novel stellate ganglion sympathetic block needle allows for an effective stellate ganglion sympathetic block even if the needle is placed such that the needle tip opening is under the anterior longitudinal ligament which results in the needle tip opening being constricted, thereby interfering with the injection of the anesthesia. When this interference occurs, the side port of the novel stellate ganglion sympathetic block needle allows directional injection onto the surface of the anterior longitudinal ligament in order to spread onto the surface of the longus coli muscle toward the stellate ganglion, thereby achieving an effective stellate ganglion sympathetic block.

Abstract: An improved needle for use in administering anesthetics, analgesic medications, and the like into the spinal canal through the dura of the spinal cord into the subarachnoid space. The needle comprising a cannula including an improved, unobstructed point thereon and an associated stylet.

Abstract: A pressure sensing syringe comprising a syringe barrel, a syringe piston and a compressible material.

Abstract: A flexible catheter comprising a flexible, cylindrical member having a bore therethrough and including an intra-luminal chord within the wall of the cylindrical member or the lumen of the cylindrical member to prevent the collapse thereof and facilitate the removal of broken portions thereof.