Inventors:
Barbara Leighton - Philadelphia PA
Assignee:
Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia PA
International Classification:
A61M 1900
Abstract:
A method for administering spinal subarachnoid anesthesia to a patient is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing an introducer assembly having an outer epidural needle having a distal tip, an inner subarachnoid needle having a distal tip, and a spinal subarachnoid catheter slidingly disposed around the inner subarachnoid needle and positioned within the outer epidural needle, the catheter having a distal tip and a proximal tip; (b) introducing the epidural needle into an epidural space until the distal tip of the epidural needle is in close proximity to the dural membrane; (c) advancing the subarachnoid catheter and subarachnoid needle through the epidural needle until the dural membra ne is fully penetrated by the distal tip of the catheter and the distal tip of the subarachnoid needle; (d) withdrawing the subarachnoid needle from within the catheter while leaving the catheter in place; and (e) introducing anesthesia into the spinal subarachnoid space through the proximal tip of the catheter to anesthetize the patient. A kit for the subarachnoid catheter delivery of anesthesia is also described.