US4917670A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous spinal anesthesia administering apparatus and method
Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital Inc
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Filing: 1988-03-22
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Granted: 1990-04-17
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Expires: 2008-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A continuous spinal anesthesia administering apparatus is disclosed which comprises a polymeric microcatheter having an external diameter less than about 0.0130 inch (0.330 mm) with a reinforcing stylet therein. A method for administering anesthesia to a patient utilizing this apparatus is also disclosed, as is a catheter kit containing this apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald J. Hurley
- 👤 Kenneth W. Larson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0009; A61M25/0012; A61M25/0043; A61M25/005; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3401; A61M25/0021; A61M2025/0042; A61M2025/0063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for the continuous administration of spinal anesthesia to a patient comprising inserting a hollow surgical needle of about 24 gauge (0.508 mm O.D.) to about 26 gauge, (0.403 mm O.D.) partially into the desired spinal site; inserting a polymeric microcatheter which is sized to fit within the needle into said needle and advancing it until one end of said microcatheter has projected beyond the needle opening and into the desired spinal site, said microcatheter being reinforced with a reinforcing member which extends substantially the length of the microcatheter; withdrawing said needle from said patient while maintaining said microcatheter within said spinal site; and administering anesthetic to said patient through said microcatheter without withdrawing the reinforcing member from the microcatheter.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for the continuous administration of spinal anesthesia to a patient comprising inserting a hollow surgical needle of about 24 gauge (0.508 mm O.D.) to about 26 gauge, (0.403 mm O.D.) partially into the desired spinal site; inserting a polymeric microcatheter which is sized to fit within the needle into said needle and advancing it until one end of said microcatheter has projected beyond the needle opening and into the desired spinal site, said microcatheter being reinforced with a reinforcing member which extends substantially the length of the microcatheter; withdrawing said needle from said patient while maintaining said microcatheter within said spinal site; and administering anesthetic to said patient through said microcatheter without withdrawing the reinforcing member from the microcatheter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said microcatheter has an external diameter less than about 0.0130 inch (0.330 mm).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said microcatheter has an external diameter of about 0.0085 inch (0.216 mm) to about 0.0107 inch (0.272 mm).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein said microcatheter has an internal diameter of about 0.0071 inch (0.180 mm) to about 0.0091 inch (0.230 mm).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 4 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a stainless steel wire of about 0.0025 inch (0.063 mm) to about 0.0035 inch (0.089 mm) diameter with a fluoropolymer coating of about 0.0010 inch (0.025 mm) to about 0.0020 inch (0.051 mm) thickness.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein said microcatheter is connected to an anesthesia injecting means through a connecting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 6 wherein said connecting means comprises a Tuohy-Borst adapter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 7 wherein said microcatheter is fabricated of an aromatic polyimide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said reinforcing member has a diameter of less than about 0.006 inch (0.152 mm).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said reinforcing member comprises a wire having a diameter of about 0.0025 inch (0.063 mm) to about 0.0035 inch (0.089 mm).
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-16 | 1993-10-16 | 1994-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-16 | 1997-10-16 | 1998-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-16 | 2001-10-16 | 2002-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |