Abstract: A safety neural injection system includes at least a partially hollow cannula having an inside diameter, an outside diameter, a first length, a side port located coaxially along the hollow cannula for fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula, and an open distal end. The safety neural injection system also includes a flexible stylet with a shaped tip. The flexible stylet is capable of being releasably locked in a position within the hollow cannula and extends at least the first length of the hollow cannula. The hollow cannula proximate to the distal end includes a rigid bend so as to facilitate placement of the distal end at the treatment site.

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: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: Catheters which utilize a flexible tube that has been modified at one end or both ends. Such modifications involve modifying a tube end to increase rigidity and strength (while maintaining some flexibility), or involve special placement of an intraluminal cord within the tube. One such catheter has a tube (20) with a cord (26) running therethrough wherein a portion of the tube's proximal end has been reinforced (30), preferably, in such a manner that the reinforced portion of the tube remains flexible. Similarly, another catheter includes a tube having an associated intraluminal cord, wherein the cord is affixed to the interior of the tube's proximal end. Another catheter has a tube and intraluminal cord with an enlarged end (e.g. a ball (28)) extending from the tube's distal end, and is modified by incorporating, within the tube's distal end, a spring (30).

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

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are force toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.