Patent ID: 8287496
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A flexible spinal needle assembly adapted for minimizing flow occlusion through a lumen of a flexible needle when inserted into a subject, the flexible spinal needle assembly comprising: a flexible needle comprising: a flow element adapted for use with the flexible needle previously inserted within the subject, the flow element comprising: a conduit, secured to the flow element body and couplable to a supply of fluid, the conduit being in fluid communication with the internal flow path adapted for supplying a quantity of fluid to the internal flow path; and an anti-restriction member having an elongated body comprising at least one freely extending wire, a proximal end coupled to the flow element body within the internal flow path, and a distal end formed by a terminal end of the at least one wire adapted for inserting at least a portion of the elongated body within the flexible needle after the flexible needle has been inserted within the subject, the terminal end of the at least one wire being sized and adapted to extend freely to a location proximate to the distal end of the flexible needle when the anti-restriction member is disposed in the flexible needle, the anti-restriction member being adapted for placement within the lumen of the flexible needle to permit fluid flow through the lumen while the anti-restriction member is resident within the lumen, the anti-restriction member functioning to resist occlusion of the fluid flow through the lumen resulting from a kinkage of the flexible needle.