摘要 |
A method and a system for inserting spinal catheters for administration of spinal anaesthesia are disclosed. An epidural needle (10) having a hub (22) is inserted into the epidural space of a patient and a cannula (18) having a blunt end (52) is inserted into and advanced forwardly within the epidural needle for abutment against the dura-arachnoid membrane (53) to place the membrane in tension. The cannula is locked in place in the epidural needle by a securing means (32) attached to the hub of the epidural needle. A flexible catheter (54) having a wire (58) or stylet therein with an end projecting beyond the distal end of the catheter is inserted through the cannula for piercing a hole in the tensioned dura-arachnoid membrane whereby the catheter can be inserted a predetermined distance through the dura-arachnoid membrane into the subarachnoid space. The cannula and epidural needle are removed and the wire withdrawn to allow continuous administering of an anaesthetic through the catheter. A hole can be formed in the dura-arachnoid membrane by a sharp stylet prior to insertion of the catheter. |