US4973305A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for inserting and retaining an epidural catheter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-12-08
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Granted: 1990-11-27
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Expires: 2009-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A method of making an epidural insertion of a catheter and means for retention therein whereby a double lumen catheter having an air and medication conduit are provided, and the air conduit has a retention balloon at the distal, epidural end and a pilot indicator balloon at the proximal end. The catheter is inserted through a stylet and the balloon is expanded. The stylet (needle) is withdrawn, the catheter temporarily fastened by external means, the balloons deflated, the needle removed, and the epidural balloon reinflated to hold the catheter in place.
Inventors
- 👤 David Goltzer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:07
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3401; A61M2025/0007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for introducing into and maintaining a catheter in a patient's epidural space comprising: a. a hollow needle having means adapted for the puncture of an epidural space and a bore sized to permit the introduction of a catheter through said bore into the patient's epidural space; b. a two-stage catheter having (1) a shortened first stage sized to fit said bore; (2) an epidural end and an attachment end; and (3) brightly colored indicia, marking the length of said needle relative to the epidural end of said catheter; c. a retention balloon operatively attached at said epidural end, a pilot balloon disposed to operate outside the patient's body and having fluid communication with said retention balloon; and d. means for attaching said catheter to the source of medication.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for introducing into and maintaining a catheter in a patient's epidural space comprising: a. a hollow needle having means adapted for the puncture of an epidural space and a bore sized to permit the introduction of a catheter through said bore into the patient's epidural space; b. a two-stage catheter having (1) a shortened first stage sized to fit said bore; (2) an epidural end and an attachment end; and (3) brightly colored indicia, marking the length of said needle relative to the epidural end of said catheter; c. a retention balloon operatively attached at said epidural end, a pilot balloon disposed to operate outside the patient's body and having fluid communication with said retention balloon; and d. means for attaching said catheter to the source of medication.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of said first stage catheter is from about ten inches to about twenty inches in length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the length of said first stage catheter is about fifteen inches in length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention balloon is spaced from the epidural end of said catheter about 1 to 3 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the retention balloon is spaced from the epidural end of said catheter about 2 inches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first color segment is equal to the length of said needle and defines a segment of the catheter immediately behind said retention balloon toward the attachment end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the epidural end of said catheter is curved having an aperture located such that flow of medication out of said catheter is directed in a path which is not parallel to the catheter.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim further comprising extension means to connect the catheter to a remote source of medication.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of performing an epidural block comprising the steps of: a. inserting an introducing needle into the epidural space; b. inserting through the needle into the epidural space a catheter having an inflatable epidural balloon near its epidurally inserted end and a pilot balloon in fluid communication with the epidural balloon; c. inflating the epidural balloon to retain the catheter in place and verifying inflation by visually inspecting the pilot balloon; d. withdrawing the needle; and e. attaching the external end of the catheter to a source of medication.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of performing an epidural block comprising the steps of: a. inserting an introducing needle into the epidural space; b. inserting through the needle into the epidural space a catheter having an inflatable epidural balloon near its epidurally inserted end and a pilot balloon in fluid communication with the epidural balloon; c. inflating the epidural balloon to retain the catheter in place and verifying inflation by visually inspecting the pilot balloon; d. withdrawing the needle; and e. attaching the external end of the catheter to a source of medication.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of determining the correct placement of the catheter in the needle in the epidural space with reference to colored indicia carried on the catheter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of feeding the catheter into the epidural space by visualizing colored measurement indicia on the catheter.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of performing an epidural block comprising the steps of: a. inserting an introducing needle into the epidural space; b. inserting through the needle into the epidural space a catheter having an inflatable epidural balloon near its epidurally inserted end and a pilot balloon in fluid communication with the epidural balloon; c. temporarily fastening the catheter in place and deflating the said balloons to permit withdrawal of said needle; d. withdrawing said needle from said catheter; and e. reinflating said balloons.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of performing an epidural block comprising the steps of: a. inserting an introducing needle into the epidural space; b. inserting through the needle into the epidural space a catheter having an inflatable epidural balloon near its epidurally inserted end and a pilot balloon in fluid communication with the epidural balloon; c. temporarily fastening the catheter in place and deflating the said balloons to permit withdrawal of said needle; d. withdrawing said needle from said catheter; and e. reinflating said balloons.
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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) | 1993-11-26 | 1994-05-28 | 1994-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-11-26 | 1998-05-28 | 1998-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-11-26 | 2002-05-28 | 2002-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |