EPIDURAL NEEDLE WITH SECONDARY BEVEL

摘要

An epidural needle is provided with a curved distal end to facilitate placement of a catheter into the epidural space of a spine. The distal end is further characterized by a primary bevel aligned to the longitudinal axis of the epidural needle at an angle of approximately 10 DEG . A secondary bevel also is provided at the extreme distal end of the needle. The secondary bevel is aligned to the longitudinal axis of the needle at an angle of between 60 DEG -80 DEG . The curve, the primary bevel and the secondary bevel all are symmetrical about common plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the needle. The secondary bevel aligned at an angle of 60 DEG -80 DEG to the longitudinal axis provides a sufficiently sharp point to penetrate easily into the epidural space, but provides sufficient blunting to avoid inadvertent damage to the dura matter.