Abstract: Deployment devices include a locking mechanism configured to secure a medical device to the deployment device. Methods of operating a deployment device include securing a medical device positioned at least partially within at least one cannula of the deployment device with a locking mechanism and releasing the medical device and securing at least a portion of the at least one cannula of the deployment device with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Deployment devices include a locking mechanism configured to secure a medical device to the deployment device. Methods of operating a deployment device include securing a medical device positioned at least partially within at least one cannula of the deployment device with a locking mechanism and releasing the medical device and securing at least a portion of the at least one cannula of the deployment device with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Deployment devices include a locking mechanism configured to secure a medical device to the deployment device. Methods of operating a deployment device include securing a medical device positioned at least partially within at least one cannula of the deployment device with a locking mechanism and releasing the medical device and securing at least a portion of the at least one cannula of the deployment device with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Anchor elements include at least one protrusion configured to extend transversely from a longitudinal axis of the anchor element when the anchor element is in a deployed state. Anchor element assemblies and medical device assemblies may include such anchor elements. Methods of anchoring a medical device within a subject include securing at least a portion of the medical device within a lumen of at least one anchor element and deploying at least one protrusion of the at least one anchor element.

Abstract: Methods of providing sympathetic nerve blocks comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject. A distal end of the catheter is positioned on a lateral side of at least one vertebra of a vertebral column of the subject proximate to a portion of a sympathetic nervous system of the subject. A medication is supplied through the catheter to effect a sympathetic nerve block in the subject. Methods of alleviating pain in lower extremities of subjects comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject and supplying a medication through the catheter. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering such sympathetic nerve blocks. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering medication to one or more of a peripheral nervous system of a subject and a spinal cord of a subject.

Abstract: Anchor elements include at least one protrusion configured to extend transversely from a longitudinal axis of the anchor element when the anchor element is in a deployed state. Anchor element assemblies and medical device assemblies may include such anchor elements. Methods of anchoring a medical device within a subject include securing at least a portion of the medical device within a lumen of at least one anchor element and deploying at least one protrusion of the at least one anchor element.

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: Methods of providing sympathetic nerve blocks comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject. A distal end of the catheter is positioned on a lateral side of at least one vertebra of a vertebral column of the subject proximate to a portion of a sympathetic nervous system of the subject. A medication is supplied through the catheter to effect a sympathetic nerve block in the subject. Methods of alleviating pain in lower extremities of subjects comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject and supplying a medication through the catheter. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering such sympathetic nerve blocks. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering medication to one or more of a peripheral nervous system of a subject and a spinal cord of a subject.

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 ablation instrument including a body and an ablating member is provided. The body includes a distal end and a surface with the ablating member coupled toward the distal end of the body. The ablating member includes a lesion wire extending through and along a portion of the surface of the body for creating lesions in a target tissue while the body serves to isolate surrounding tissue from the target tissue. A method of ablating a target area is also provided.

Abstract: Needle assemblies for use in ablation procedures include a needle having an electrically conductive portion and at least one conductive member extending at least partially through a bore of the needle. A portion of the at least one conductive member is physically and electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the needle. Ablation systems and methods of ablation may include such needle assemblies. Methods of forming needle assemblies for use in ablation procedures include disposing at least one conductive member within a needle and physically and electrically connecting the at least one conductive member to an electrically conductive portion of the needle.

Abstract: Catheters include a catheter tube and an echogenic structure extending from a proximal portion of the catheter tube to a distal end of the catheter tube where a portion of the echogenic structure is at least partially formed in the distal end of the catheter tube. Such catheters may exhibit improved echogenicity. Methods of forming a tool for a clinical procedure performed upon a subject utilizing ultrasound guidance include forming a catheter and forming a portion of an echogenic structure within a distal end of the catheter. Methods of ultrasound guidance for a clinical procedure performed upon a subject may include such catheters.

Abstract: Fluid communication to an end of a catheter is afforded through a connection hub selectively attachable thereto. The connection hub includes a catheter receiving element and a fluid coupling element that are relatively rotatable coaxially between a catheter receiving condition and a catheter capture condition of the connection hub. The catheter capture condition, a compressible sealing sleeve disposed interior of the connection hub between a pair of clamping jaws projecting from the catheter receiving element is urged into sealing engagement with the exterior of the catheter, catheter is gripped mechanically through the sealing sleeve by the clamping jaws. The exteriors of each of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element are formed into planar actuation handles that facilitate relative rotation of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element into coplanar alignment in the catheter capture condition of the connection hub.

Abstract: Methods for installing a flexible spinal needle assembly and methods of delivering a fluid may include inserting a distal end of a flexible spinal needle assembly into a subject and, thereafter, disposing an anti-restriction member at least partially within an inner flow path of the flexible spinal needle to substantially prevent fluid occlusion caused by bending or kinking of the flexible spinal needle.

Abstract: A flow element for use with flexible needles and flexible needle assemblies to minimize flow occlusion within a flexible needle is provided. The flow element is particularly suited for uses with a flexible needle for minimizing incidence of post-dural puncture headache. The flow element includes a body having an internal flow path for conducting a fluid through a flexible needle, and an anti-restriction member. The anti-restriction member includes an elongated body, a proximal end coupled to the body within the internal flow path, and a distal end for disposing at least a portion of the elongated body within a flexible needle. A flexible spinal needle assembly for minimizing flow occlusion through an internal flow path of a flexible needle by unintended kinking that is potentially caused by ligament or muscle layer movements is also provided.

Abstract: A reinforced medical catheter (10) includes an elongated tubular outer wall reinforced by an internal helical coil spring (36). Successive loops of the coil spring adjoining the distal end are longitudinally separated, and a working lumen extends longitudinally through the catheter. A longitudinally extending reinforcing cable is captured in the tubular outer wall against the exterior of the coil spring. A steering cable operably interconnected with the distal end of the coil spring extends proximally from the distal end of the coil spring freely through the working lumen to the proximal end of the catheter. The reinforcing cable and the steering cable may constitute a continuous elongated filament. Withdrawing the steering cable proximally through the working lumen causes the distal tip of the catheter to be deflected laterally.

Abstract: A flow element (50) for use with flexible needles and flexible needle assemblies (10) to minimize flow occlusion within a flexible needle (15) is provided. The flow element (50) is particularly suited for uses with a flexible needle (15) for minimizing incidence of post-dural puncture headache. The flow element (50) includes a body having an internal flow path for conducting a fluid through a flexible needle, and an anti-restriction member (56). The anti-restriction member (56) includes an elongated body (58), a proximal end (70) coupled to the body within the internal flow path, and a distal end (60) for positioning at least a portion of the elongated body within a flexible needle.

Abstract: Fluid communication to an end of a catheter is afforded through a connection hub selectively attachable thereto. The connection hub includes a catheter receiving element and a fluid coupling element that are relatively rotatable coaxially between a catheter receiving condition and a catheter capture condition of the connection hub. The catheter capture condition, a compressible sealing sleeve disposed interior of the connection hub between a pair of clamping jaws projecting from the catheter receiving element is urged into sealing engagement with the exterior of the catheter, catheter is gripped mechanically through the sealing sleeve by the clamping jaws. The exteriors of each of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element are formed into planar actuation handles that facilitate relative rotation of the catheter receiving element and the fluid coupling element into coplanar alignment in the catheter capture condition of the connection hub.