Abstract: Protective working channels useful in ablative procedures may include a cannula having a shield at a distal end of the cannula. The shield may be sized, shaped, and positioned to cover a first portion of an ablative tip of an ablation probe introducible through the cannula and to expose a second, different portion of the ablative tip of the ablation probe. An electrically insulating material may be disposed on at least one surface of the cannula at least at the distal end of the cannula, including the shield. When using the protective working channels, an ablative tip of an ablation probe may be positioned proximate to a target tissue within the subject, with the ablative tip partially exposed at a distal end of the cannula and the ablative tip interposed between the target tissue and a shield at the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a biocompatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between an inside and an outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a polyfluorocarbon.

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: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatable sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

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: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

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.