Abstract: A hypodermic needle featuring a multi-beveled point geometry is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-beveled point features a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels, and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective one of the tip bevels. The primary and middle bevels are provided at angles of inclination, measured between the central axis and a reference plane that are substantially identical. The tip bevels are formed at an angle of inclination respective to the central axis which is not equal to the angle of inclination at which the primary and middle bevels are formed. The resulting five-beveled point geometry contributes to a more continuous bevel face free of abrupt intercepts or transitions between the respective bevel faces, lessening the penetration force required to urge the needle point through skin, flesh, or other material.

Abstract: A microcannula suitable for cannulation of very small blood vessels in a small animal, neonate or adult having a sharp pointed trochar tightly but removable placed in the lumen of the microcannula. The trochar is held in place by contact friction from an area of reduced inside diameter distal to the tip end, formed by welding the end distal of the microcannula to a tube having a slightly larger diameter. A process for making a microcannula.

Abstract: A hollow needle for tag attachers, which comprises a blade (2) made by press working of a thin metal plate and a shank (3) of a synthetic resin integrally secured at a rear end part of the blade (2), wherein the blade (2) includes a front end part (2a) which has in a middle part thereof a semicircular shape in section and is formed in an outer surface portion thereof with a resistance reducing part (4) provided by partly depressing the outer periphery thereof, whereby the area of contact of a front end part of the hollow needle with an object partly through which the needle is applied in use is reduced and the needle has a desirable characteristic such that it can be applied straight in use.

Abstract: A method for accessing the peritoneal cavity without using a trocar. A cannula is provided having screw threads on its outer surface, a distal end, a proximal end, a body portion between the distal and proximal ends, a centrally positioned lumen extending throughout the length of the cannula and a hook. A small incision is made in the skin and underlying tissues down to the anterior fascia and a smaller opening is made in the anterior fascia to receive the hook. The hook is inserted through the opening in the anterior fascia and the proximal end of the cannula is rotated in the same direction in which the point of the hook is directed so that the cannula stretches the opening in the anterior fascia enough to accommodate the body portion of the cannula while maintaining an airtight seal around the body portion of the cannula. During rotation, the body portion of the cannula passes through the layers of the abdominal wall until the distal end of the cannula is disposed within the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A selectively aspirating stylet assembly comprises a stylet having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end in fluid communication with a fluid supply and the distal end disposed at or near the end of a catheter, cannula or other generally tubular member that is to be inserted to a specified location within a patient's body, so as to create a fluid flow path from the fluid supply through the generally tubular member to the specified location. A valve assembly located within the fluid flow path is operable to close off a fluid column within the stylet assembly to facilitate placement of the tubular member within the body, and to control the flow of fluids within the assembly.

Abstract: An elongated, hollow spinal needle that is less prone to causing postdural puncture headache by having a modified, pencil-like point with a rounded shoulder at the juncture between the modified, pencil-like point and the body of the spinal needle. A side port is formed in the hollow needle at a position adjacent the rounded shoulder. The leading edge of the side port is located not more than 1.5 times the external diameter of the hollow needle from the tip of the pencil-like point to reduce the bending moment between the tip and the side port. The cross sectional area of the side port is configured to be equal to or incrementally larger than the cross sectional area of the lumen of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A piercing tip for penetrating body tissue is provided which includes a conical body and a triangular cutting blade positioned within a slot formed in the conical body. The cutting blade includes a proximal mounting flange which extends outwardly from the conical body and is configured for mounting at the distal end of an obturator of a trocar assembly.

Abstract: A needle assembly for evacuated blood collection tubes or containers comprises a single needle cannula, a needle cannula support made of a translucent or transparent material provided on the middle portion of the needle cannula, a blood flow confirmation passage formed in the interior of the needle cannula support and communicating with one end of the needle cannula, said one end being covered with an elastomeric resilient cap, and an air-permeable, blood repellant plug provided at an opening end of the passage.

Abstract: The hollow needle (1) for medical use comprises a duct (10), which usually contains an aperture (11) which is elliptic or similar to an ellipse. The edge (14) of this aperture (11) is rounded by melting in the converging part (14') when regarded from the point (1') of the hollow needle (1). The process for rounding the edge (44) by melting uses a laser (45) which is pulsated or operates continuously, in the effective range (45') of which the part (44') to be rounded of the edge (44) lies.

Abstract: The invention is a microcannula which comprises a hollow tube having a small cross sectional size and a side beveled tip wherein the angle of the bevel is about 25 degrees. A segment of the hollow tube distal to the beveled tip has an expanded outside diameter which may be provided by a tightly fitting ring member which may be moved to a desired position on the outside of the hollow tube. The tight fit of the ring is preferably obtained through an interference fit between the ring and the out side surface of the hollow tube. A conically tiped trochar is fitted tightly but removably in the lumen of the hollow tube. The trochar may be provided with a flattened or swedged segment.

Abstract: A cannula for safely and easily gaining access to a body cavity without the use of a trocar, has screw threads on its outer surface and a lumen within the cannula extending throughout the entire length of the cannula. The distal end of the cannula is shaped, along its periphery, to penetrate and/or cut tissue layers of the body wall to gain access to a body cavity. The lumen is sufficiently large throughout its length to allow passage of instruments from the proximal end of the cannula directly into the body cavity, once the cannula has been inserted. A method for gaining access to a body cavity with the cannula is also described.

Abstract: A needle, related attachments, and methods of constructing and using the same, for reducing the risk of infection from material in a used hypodermic needle. The needle is formed with a solid tip having no orifice, at a distal end of the needle. At least one longitudinal bore is formed in the needle which terminates proximal to the needle tip. At least one outlet orifice is formed in communication with the bore, for passage of all material into or out of the needle, the outlet orifice being located at a lateral position spaced back from the solid tip, thereby reducing the risk that an individual who contacts the tip of the needle will contact material retained in the needle.

Abstract: A safety penetrating instrument for establishing a portal in an anatomical cavity for performing endoscopic procedures includes a penetrating member received within a distally biased portal sleeve for introducing the portal sleeve through a cavity wall into the anatomical cavity, the portal sleeve having a distal end movable between an extended position protecting a sharp tip of the penetrating member and a retracted position exposing the sharp tip. A handle is provided manually moving the portal sleeve to the retracted position, and a locking and releasing mechanism locks the portal sleeve in the retracted position and releases the portal sleeve to return to the extended position in response to distal movement of an operating member upon penetration of the safety penetrating instrument into the anatomical cavity, the operating member being preferably carried by the penetrating member.

Abstract: An improved biocompatible composition consisting of physiologically stable microparticles carried in a lubricative suspension, solution, other fluid or gel is presented. The composition is intended to be delivered into the body through a small-bore needle, cannula, or catheter and to a tissue site for the purpose of augmenting the tissue site and surrounding area, thereby correcting a defect, filling a void, or strengthening the support structures of the tissue. The particles are a hard, metallic substance and are carbon-coated.

Abstract: An elongated, hollow spinal needle that is less prone to causing postdural puncture headache by having a modified, pencil-like point with a rounded shoulder at the juncture between the modified, pencil-like point and the body of the spinal needle. A side port is formed in the hollow needle at a position adjacent the rounded shoulder. The leading edge of the side port is located not more than 1.5 times the external diameter of the hollow needle from the tip of the pencil-like point to reduce the bending moment between the tip and the side port. The cross sectional area of the side port is configured to be equal to or incrementally larger than the cross sectional area of the lumen of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A safety penetrating instrument for establishing a portal in an anatomical cavity for performing endoscopic procedures includes a penetrating member received within a portal sleeve for introducing the portal sleeve through a cavity wall into the anatomical cavity, a distally biased safety member having a distal end movable between an extended position protecting a sharp tip of the penetrating member and a retracted position exposing the sharp tip, a handle for manually moving the safety member to the retracted position and a locking and releasing mechanism for locking the safety member in the retracted position and releasing the safety member to return to the extended position in response to distal movement of an operating member upon penetration of the safety penetrating instrument into the anatomical cavity, the operating member being preferably carried by the penetrating member.

Abstract: A kit assembly for use to construct a desired trocar obturator used during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The kit includes a proximal portion of the obturator and a plurality of different distal end portions. The proximal portion may be releasably attached to a distal portion by virtue of a detent mechanism. Reuse of the proximal portion affords potential cost savings. The plurality of distal end portions affords the surgeon a choice between different trocar tips so that the trocar may be customized for a particularly surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a puncturing instrument which comprises a puncturing tube and a conforming puncture instrument. A channel-like prick incision lance 5 projecting out of the puncturing tube 2 serves as the puncture instrument. The puncturing tube 2 has at the lower end a pipe bend section 14 which forms a displacement section in the form of a ship's bow. Through this design the puncturing instrument 1 receives a puncturing end which has the action of a puncturing point or puncturing needle. Punching out of the tissue during puncturing is prevented and the manipulation resistance is reduced.

Abstract: A safety penetrating instrument for introducing a portal sleeve into an anatomical cavity particularly useful in least invasive surgery includes a safety probe having a distal end configuration cooperating with the sharp distal tip of a penetrating member to protect the tip in an extended position and to expose the tip in a retracted position. The configuration of the distal ends of the penetrating member and the safety probe in the retracted position form a solid, continuous surface tissue penetrating tip for the safety penetrating instrument. The safety probe and penetrating member can be removed from the portal sleeve as a unit or the safety probe can be removed while leaving the penetrating member in place for use in further procedures. The safety probe can carry interchangeable protective bodies on the distal end thereof, the bodies being made of flexible, pliable and preferably resilient materials.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. A valve is located at the proximal end of the trocar tube to seal the end of the tube. The valve is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar tube. The valve is controllable by an external lever which will hold the valve open or permit it to spring shut. An incremental advancement mechanism cooperates with the obturator to permit only incremental advance of the obturator. Instead of using a discrete shield component the shielding function may be provided by spring-loading the trocar tube itself to spring forward and shield the obturator tip after the tip penetrates tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for injecting a viscous material into periurethral tissues as a treatment for urinary incontinence. The apparatus comprises a non-coring needle mounted to the forward end of a catheter. A hub with a luer adapter is fitted to the rearward end of the catheter. To provide the physician with a readily visible indicator of the orientation of the needle orifice, the catheter has a stripe running longitudinally on the catheter in predetermined angular relationship with the needle orifice. Further, the needle hub also has indicia located thereon in predetermined angular relationship with the needle orifice. Thus the physician can ascertain the orientation of the needle orifice through the cystoscope by observing the location of the stripe, or he can determine the orientation of the needle orifice externally by observing the indicia on the needle hub.

Abstract: A safety pneumoneedle through which the abdomen can be inflated with fluid such as insufflating gas is described. The pneumoneedle comprises a housing having front and rear ends, exterior surfaces adapted to be manually grasped, inner surfaces defining an elongate cavity having a fluid passageway portion. The pneumoneedle includes a non-removable cannula having a proximal end sealingly and fixedly attached to the housing, and a sharpened distal end adapted to pierce tissue. A protector assembly is present which has a closed blunt distal end, a first abutment end surface, and a camming surface.

Abstract: A needle suitable for piercing a septum of a vacuum sealed container and through which a measured fluid sample from the container may be withdrawn. The needle is capable of withdrawing fluid from small sample volumes, such that the dead volume remaining in the sealed container is reduced. The needle has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, an unobstructed bore therethrough along the longitudinal axis, a free end, and an end region adjacent said free end which has a slight conical taper toward said free end at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The free end includes an oblique cut through the conically tapered end region at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis being substantially larger than the predetermined angle of the taper so as to produce an elliptical opening at the free end. The elliptical opening lies along a plane diagonal to the longitudinal axis. This produces a toe or tip that is reduced in height allowing for a decrease in dead volume.

Abstract: A catheter introducing device comprises means (10) for holding a cannula (30) with a needle (20) inserted through it and with a tip (22) of the needle projecting from the cannula, and a biassing arrangement which is normally locked but when released urges the cannula forwardly and over the tip of the needle.

Abstract: A surgical needle with a stylet selectively received within the lumen of a cannula is shown where establishing and maintaining a desired angular orientation between the stylet and cannula is achieved. The orientation may be determined in one of several ways. Preferably, a projection is mounted to the cannula hub which is selectively received in a recess of the stylet cap when the stylet and cannula are in the desired orientation. Alternatively, a pair of flexible arms may be mounted to the stylet cap wherein detents on the distal ends of the flexible arms are selectively received within complementary depressions on the cannula hub when the stylet and cannula are in the desired orientation. Also, a longitudinal rib on the stylet cap and a projection on the cannula hub can be visually inspected or can be felt by the user to determine the orientation. Finally, a projection from the cannula hub may be selectively received within a slot on the stylet cap to ensure proper alignment of the stylet and cannula.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is conical in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The obturator tip contains a knife edge blade which extends the length of the cannula inner diameter. Ideally, the knife is made of an amorphous metal, and may be serrated at its edge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cannula comprising a cannula tube with a preferably rigid upper section, an end section which is bent laterally and a hook-shaped curved section which has in its concave side a tangentially inward ground lumen opening. The lumen opening has a sharply inwardly directed rear edge. This results in the advantage that during piercing of natural and synthetic walls the cutting of plugs from the material to be perforated is avoided.

Abstract: A cannula for use in cataract surgery during the phases of hydrodissection and hydrodelamination/hydrodelineation/hydrodemarcation is described. The cannula has a hub for mating with a syringe and a needle originating from the distal end of the hub. The needle comprises a first section, second section, and truncated surface. The first section originates from the distal end of the hub and extends forward in a plane delineating the central longitudinal axis of the cannula. The second section originates from the distal end of the first section and is flattened and curved away from the central longitudinal axis of the hub. The truncated surface of the needle forms a rounded tip with beveled surfaces. The intersection of the bevel and sides of the cannula are sharpened to provide a cutting edge.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains slides within cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. In other embodiments, positive mechanical means effect shielding.

Abstract: A Verres-type needle which has a sharpened outer needle and allows passage of a blunt inner needle within the outer needle. The Verress needle also contains a position indicator to indicate the position of the inner needle within the outer needle, so that the user knows whether the inner needle is in a protective or non-protective position. Further, a liquid level indicator demonstrates the path of liquid flow within the Verress-type needle. Finally, there is an acoustical enhancment mechanism, which allows the user to know whether the blunt inner needle has sprung forward within the abdominal cavity, to its most forward, protective position.

Abstract: A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through a wall defining a body cavity is disclosed. The trocar has a replaceable tip portion which affords continuous sharp cutting surfaces even in a completely reusable trocar.

Abstract: A trocar having a trocar obturator and a trocar cannula. The trocar cannula has a cannula tube mounted in a cannula handle, wherein the cannula has an interior passage therethrough. The interior of the trocar cannula is visible through the trocar cannula. The trocar obturator is housed in the trocar cannula for insertion into a body cavity. When used in an endoscopic surgical procedure on a mammal, such that the trocar cannula is inserted into a body cavity and serves as a passageway to and from the body cavity, the interior of the trocar cannula is visible through the cannula so that the passage of instruments, sutures, staples, surgical tissue samples, etc., into and out of the mammalian body cavity through the cannula can be observed by a surgeon during an endoscopic procedure by observing the interior of the cannula at a point exterior to the cannula by looking through the cannula either directly or by using an endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved trocar assembly for use in creating an incision in a patient. The trocar of the present invention includes a unique piercing apex, which eases the insertion process, and an internal tip protector to protect the patient and medical personnel from accidental puncture injuries. The improved tip protector is designed to become fully extended immediately after the leading edge of the trocar enters the patient, thus avoiding many of the operational drawbacks of existing trocar tip protector designs. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved tip protector locking mechanism which is believed to be far simpler and more reliable than existing locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A trocar adapted to provide a working channel through a body wall and includes a cannula defining the channel along an axis between the distal and proximal ends of the cannula. A housing disposed at the proximal end of the cannula includes at least one elastomeric seal. An elongate obturator adapted to be moved in proximity to the seal includes a sharp distal tip and a sheath which protects the seal from the sharp tip during movement of the obturator through the working channel. This sheath is movable from a first position wherein it is releasably fixed to the obturator and a second position wherein it is releasably fixed to the housing to expose the shape tip distally of the cannula.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. A valve is located at the proximal end of the trocar tube to seal the end of the tube. The valve is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar tube. The valve is controllable by an external lever which will hold the valve open or permit it to spring shut. An incremental advancement mechanism cooperates with the obturator to permit only incremental advance of the obturator. Instead of using a discrete shield component the shielding function may be provided by spring-loading the trocar tube itself to spring forward and shield the obturator tip after the tip penetrates tissue.

Abstract: To securely introduce the distal tip of a spinal cannula through an epidural cannula into a spinal canal, a mandrel is placed in the epidural cannula. The mandrel is provided with a recess or guideway extending over its length. The guideway is aligned with an axial opening in the epidural cannula, so that the spinal cannula, when pushed forward through the recess, is guided positively to the axial opening and can pass through it unhindered, in order to get into the spinal canal. The mandrel includes a radially offset distal portion which enters and seals a curved, offset portion of the epidural cannula to avoid coring of tissue and to snap fittedly connect the mandrel and epidural cannula.

Abstract: A safety trocar instrument, for piercing the wall of an anatomical cavity to provide communication with the inside of the cavity, includes a tubular cannula and an elongate trocar having a sharp piercing point. The trocar is mounted for axial reciprocal movement within the cannula between a withdrawn rest position, in which the point is received within and shielded by the distal end of the cannula, a fully extended position in which the point is exposed beyond the distal end of the cannula, and an intermediate retracted position in which the point also is exposed beyond the distal end of the cannula. A retraction spring biases the trocar to its withdrawn position. A latch latches the trocar, in opposition to the retraction spring, for reciprocal movement between the fully extended and intermediate positions.

Abstract: Trocar needle for laparoscopy with a truncated cone bit (1) having at its truncated cone end a cutting blade (2) with a rounded edge arranged obliquely to the axis of the needle and to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the needle which continues with a cutting thread (3) developing in a single turn around the truncated cone tip.

Abstract: A Verress-type needle which has a sharpened outer needle and allows passage of a blunt inner needle within the outer needle. The Verress needle also contains a position indicator to indicate the position of the inner needle within the outer needle, so that the user knows whether the inner needle is in a protective or non-protective position. Further, a liquid level indicator demonstrates the path of liquid flow within the Verress-type needle. Finally, there is an acoustical enhancement mechanism, which allows the user to know whether the blunt inner needle has sprung forward within the abdominal cavity, to its most forward, protective position.

Abstract: A safety needle for use in the vascular system. The needle has a first end adapted to be placed in the vascular system and a second end with a stopper and adapted to pass a guide wire. The needle has a port positioned between the first and second needle ends. The port is adapted to be connected to a blood collection device. The blood which enters the first end of the needle is diverted through the port to the blood collection device which avoids having the blood reach the second end of the needle.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains slides within cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. In other embodiments, positive mechanical means effect shielding.

Abstract: A needle hereafter referred to as a metal cannula is of thin-walled construction and designed with a solid noncutting pencil point possessing a tip with an elliptical side port located not more than 1 (one) cannula Outer Diameter (O.D.) length from the tip and via a hollow internal channel the axial length of the cannula is capable of guiding an inserted catheter through the cannula for projection laterally out of the cannula for subsequent indwelling placement of the introduced catheter upon removal of the cannula. The sideport is placed on the angled surface of the developing point so that it coincides with the angle of the pencil point. The elliptical sideport has a machined and polished rounded internal edge intersecting with the external surface.

Abstract: A stylet assembly is provided for inserting a catheter into a brain ventricle and providing a cerebrospinal fluid flashback indicia of proper catheter positioning. The stylet assembly includes an elongated, generally cylindrical rigid hollow stylet having an open distal end, a rounded blunt proximal end, and an internal fluid passageway extending the length of the stylet. A relatively large single aperture is provided through the stylet adjacent to its proximal end, for permitting fluid flow into the internal fluid passageway. The aperture is configured to underlie a plurality of catheter inlet apertures and has a width generally corresponding with the diameter of the internal fluid passageway. An elastomeric hub surrounds a portion of the stylet adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. A valve is located at the proximal end of the trocar tube to seal the end of the tube. The valve is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar tube. The valve is controllable by an external lever which will hold the valve open or permit it to spring shut. An incremental advancement mechanism cooperates with the obturator to permit only incremental advance of the obturator. Instead of using a discrete shield component the shielding function may be provided by spring-loading the trocar tube itself to spring forward and shield the obturator tip after the tip penetrates tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting users of invasive instruments from inadvertent skin puncture by providing the user with an article of protective clothing and an invasive instrument both designed so that the instrument will become entangled with the clothing during contact, thereby preventing penetration of the skin.

Abstract: One side wall of a rigid needle tube is provided at its front end with a curved bending directed towards the opposite, axial side wall and has a lumen opening formed therein. The lumen opening is provided with a rear inner cutting edge and a front punctuating portion which comprises a lancet-shaped tip having a facet grinding. The tip is arranged in a zone defined by two imaginary lines extending respectively from the inner surface and the outer surface of the axial side wall beyond the rear cutting edge of the lumen opening. When using the needle, no material is punched out of the material to be perforated.

Abstract: The disposable trochar in the form of a gas insufflation needle having a removable rod and needle portion within an outer sheath is provided. The rod has a blunt end and is retractable during insertion so that the needle edge cuts through the abdominal wall. Once passing through the wall the rod extends so as to protect the bowel from the sharp needle. A gas port provided for introducing gas through the rod and out a side passageway near the blunt end. After the abdomen is extended, the rod and needle can be removed as unit from the sheath and thrown away and a suitable instrument introduced through an instrument port having a separable diaphragm. The gas can continue to be introduced around the instrument and into the abdomen while the instrument is in place. After the required medical procedures are completed, the instrument is removed. Then the sheath and associated parts are removed and thrown away.

Abstract: The front end of the guide channel of a steel cannula is provided with an oblique guide surface adapted to direct an inserted catheter to the outside in order to project out of the tube. The ground surface surrounding the opening is of funnel wall design. Due to the steel cannula, a catheter may be applied by means of a simple cannula without the probable risk of being cut or damaged.

Abstract: Thoracic catheters to be implanted in the chest or other body portion of a patient by withdrawal of the proximal end through a secondary incision at a suitable site are improved by having a tapered proximal end portion thereon which has a smoothly contoured nose through which a small lumen extends that permits the surgeon to securely grasp the catheter with a Kelly clamp by having one jaw of the clamp inside the nose lumen and the other jaw on the outside of the nose.

Abstract: A novel subcutaneous tunnelling instrument and method for placing a subcutaneous catheter between two remote incisions in a patient, comprising making a subcutaneous tunnel by pushing a rod having an elongated bullet-shaped tip removably threaded upon male threads disposed at the distal end thereof into one incision and subcutaneously tunnelling to and out through the second incision, removing the bullet-shaped tip from the distal end of the rod, sliding the open end of a catheter over the male threads disposed at the distal end of the rod until the catheter abuts the rod, thereafter pulling the distal end of the rod back into the second incision and through the subcutaneous tunnel to and through the first incision, and thereafter removing the open end of the catheter from the male threads at the distal end of the rod.