Abstract: Disclosed are microbore catheters for spinal anesthesia having one or more side ports provided by a laser beam.

Abstract: An adapter kit 32 for a catheter introducer 31 wherein catheter 34 is passed into the body to transmit a medium through lumen 35 in catheter 34. Coupling means 95 is provided for compressing compression glands 48a and 48b against catheter 34 in a controlled manner in a catheter gripping position in FIG. 13, so that maximum resistance to catheter 34 pull-out is provided without distorting any medium transmitted by lumen 35. A related method is provided for sizing and using compression gland(s) 48.

Abstract: A wireless polymeric microcatheter having improved tensile strength; and the process for making same.

Abstract: A placement device for a catheter and guide wire comprising, a valve assembly having a proximal end, a distal end for connection to the catheter, an elastic valve member having a least one slit and a slide member being slidably received in the valve assembly and being movable between a first position spaced from the valve member with the valve member being closed, and a second position engaged against the valve member with the valve member being open, with the slide member having a bore extending therethrough. The device has a valve opener having an elongated stem on an end of the opener with an outer diameter sufficiently small to be received in the bore of the slide member, with the stem having sufficient length to extend through the slide member and open the valve member with the valve opener extending through the valve member, and with the stem having a channel with an inner diameter sufficiently large to receive the guide wire.