Abstract: A surgical needle 20 includes a needle body 26 which is secured onto a hub body 24. The hub body 24 is irreversibly removable from the needle body 26 in order for the needle body 26 to be used as a trocar. The hub body 24, being irreversibly disconnectable from the needle body 26, ensures that the hub body 24 cannot be reconnected to the needle body 26 so that the surgical needle 20 cannot be used again.

Abstract: An introduction set 20 is adapted for positioning a probe 22 relative to a desired site in a subject 128. The introduction set 20 includes an elongated flexible trocar 24 adapted for insertion into the subject 128 relative to the desired site. The trocar 24 has a flexible body 34 adapted to be bent out of the way of the equipment. The introduction set 20 further includes a curved cannula 26 having an elongated arcuate tubular body 60 and an elongate friction reducing tubular lining 64 disposed within the tubular body 60. The introduction set 20 further includes a dilator 28 which can be disposed in the cannula 26 for facilitating the introduction of the cannula 26 into the subject 128. The cannula 26 and dilator 28 are inserted over the trocar 24. The trocar 24 is of sufficient length such that, with the cannula 26 completely thread over the trocar 24, the trocar 24 extends from the back end 44 of the cannula 26 so that the position of the trocar 24 can be continuously monitored and maintained.