METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VARIABLY REGULATING THE LENGTH OF A COMBINED SPINAL-EPIDURAL NEEDLE

摘要

A regulating device for variably regulating the length of a combined spinalepidural needle and the method of practicing same is disclosed. In one variant, theregulating device features a pair of substantially concentricity disposed sliding membersto which each of the epidural needle and spinal needle may be separately fitted. Aspring element is provided to selectably engage the spinal needle. The spring elementincludes one end fixed to the sliding member securing the epidural needle, a free endmanipulable by a user, and at least one passage or opening disposed between the fixedand free ends through which the spinal needle passes. The opening is configured topermit either gripping or free sliding of the spinal needle depending on the practitioner'sactuation of the spring element. By actuation of the spring element, the practitionermay control axial movement between the sliding members, thereby regulating theextension of the spinal needle relative to the epidural needle. The sliding members maybe configured in a variety of shapes or dimensions to accommodate variouscombinations of spinal and epidural needles. The device may be provided pre-assembled with either one or both of the spinal needle or epidural needle, or it may beemployed with a spinal needle, epidural needle, or both separately sourced.