CATHETERS INCLUDING BEND INDICATORS, CATHETER ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING SUCH CATHETERS AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

Epidural catheters include a tubular member and at least one bend indicator located proximate a distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter. Catheter assemblies may include such catheters. Methods of inserting an epidural catheter having a bent distal into a patient include bending a catheter at a location proximate at least one bend indicator formed proximate a distal end of the catheter and inserting at least a portion of the catheter into a patient. Methods of making an epidural catheter include forming a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and forming at least one bend indicator on the catheter proximate the distal end of the tubular member to provide a reference point for a user to bend the catheter.