Abstract: A regulating device for adjusting the length of a combined spinal epidural needle and the method of practicing same is disclosed. In one variant, the regulating device features a pair of substantially concentrically disposed sliding members to which each of the epidural needle and spinal needle may be fitted. A locking actuation tab fitted to one of the sliding members is provided to control axial movement between the sliding members, thereby regulating the extension of the spinal needle relative to the epidural needle. The sliding members may be configured in a variety of shapes or dimensions to accommodate various combinations of spinal and epidural needles. The device may be provided pre-assembled with either one or both of the spinal needle or epidural needle, or it may be employed with a spinal needle, epidural needle, or both separately sourced.

Abstract: The invention is a catheter/needle assembly for delivery of a medicament to the subarachnoid space of a patient which includes an elongate flexible tube portion sized to fit within the bore of an epidural needle. The flexible tube portion includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a hollow bore therethrough. The assembly further includes an elongate needle portion having a distal point and a passageway therethrough. The needle portion is fit within, fixedly attached to and fluidly sealed to the bore of the tube. The needle point projects distally a distance beyond the distal end of the tube so that the distal end of the tube forms a shoulder projecting radially outwardly at the needle portion.The invention also includes a method of using the instantly invented assembly to deliver a medicament into the subarachnoid space of a patient.

Abstract: A needle shielding cushion is provided with a generally planar base wall having a plurality of filaments projecting unitarily therefrom. The base wall defines cross-sectional dimensions which are greater than the length of a needle cannula used therewith. The filaments are dimensioned and disposed to releasably engage a needle cannula therebetween. An exposed needle cannula can be urged between the filaments after usage of the needle cannula and/or between sequential uses of the needle cannula.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for containing blood flashback during insertion of a guide wire into a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a barrel having a flashback chamber. An inner cannula in the flashback chamber communicates with an inserter needle mounted on the barrel. The inner cannula includes an aperture communicating with the flashback chamber. A porous vent plug is slidably disposed in the chamber in fluid-tight engagement with both the barrel and the inner cannula. The vent plug can be slid from a proximal position where the aperture in the inner cannula is exposed to a distal position where the aperture in the inner cannula is blocked. A guide wire in the inner cannula blocks blood flow. The vent plug and the guide wire are retained proximally of the aperture in the inner cannula until blood flashback is observed. The vent plug is then axially advanced to cover the aperture and stop further blood flow. The guide wire can then be advanced safely into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A pudendal/paracervical block anesthesia needle assembly is provided. The assembly includes a needle guide which limits the extent to which a needle may be inserted within a patient. The needle guide includes a housing to which a cannula is secured. A needle assembly including a needle hub and needle are insertable within the guide such that the needle is positioned within the cannula and the needle hub within the guide housing. The needle guide housing includes a recess including two pairs of parallel walls. A pair of abutments, one positioned distal to the other, extend within the recess. The needle hub includes a contact surface which contacts one of the two abutments depending upon its rotational position. The extent to which the needle projects outside the cannula is determined by which abutment is engaged by the contact surface of the hub.