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.

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 one of two states by way of a determinant assembly feature. The first state is an unlocked state and the second state is a locked state. The unlocked state is for determinately receiving a catheter and the locked state is for determinately securing the catheter. A method of making a connection hub is also provided.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for ultrasound guidance of a tool for a clinical procedure performed upon a subject, wherein the improvement includes a catheter having an echogenic structure disposed in a distal portion of the catheter, which increases the echogenicity of the catheter.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

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 one of two states by way of a determinant assembly feature. The first state is an unlocked state and the second state is a locked state. The unlocked state is for determinately receiving a catheter and the locked state is for determinately securing the catheter. A method of making a connection hub is also provided.

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.