AN IMPROVED VARIABLE EXTENSION DEVICE FOR A COMBINED SPINAL EPIDURAL NEEDLE

摘要

A combined spinal epidural needle set of the present invention includes an epidu ral needle with an overall length, an open distal end and a proximal end with a hub. The epidural needle has a hollow bore therethrough having an inside diameter. The set of the invention includes a spinal needle with an overall length greater than the length of the e pidural needle, a pointed distal end, a proximal end with a hub and a hollow passage therethrough. The spinal needle has an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the bore of the epidural needle. The spinal needle is slidably disposed for movement within the epidural needle b etween a position wherein the distal point of the spinal needle is substantially coincide nt with the open distal end of the epidural needle and at least one position wherein the distal p oint of the spinal needle projects beyond the open distal end of the epidural needle. The hubs of t he epidural needle and the spinal needle each include an adjustable engagement for preselect ing the position of the distal point of the spinal needle with respect to the open dista l end of the epidural needle.