GB1304159A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1304159 Catheters C A WHITE 5 Aug 1971 36917/71 Heading A5R A catheter comprises a hollow tube 12 having a distal end 14, Figure 2, and a proximal end 15, said distal end being open, means at the distal end for puncturing the said tissue, said means including an elongated needle 22 longitudinally movable within said tube, said needle being extendible through the open distal end 14, an expandable member 34 surrounding the tube adjacent the distal end, said expandable member being expandable by the introduction of fluid under pressure into it, and means for selectively expanding and contracting the expandable member. The device includes a hollow internal tube 16, the tubes 12 and 16 defining a space therebetween into which a fluid is introduced through a supply tube 26. The external tube 12 is provided with radially extending openings 32 surrounding which is a relatively thin stretchable bladder 34, such that, when gaseous fluid is introduced into the space the bladder 34 is inflated. The supply tube 26 is provided with a cap 30. The tubes 12 and 16 are preferably of a soft pliable plastics material, and the needle 22 of stainless steel. Fluid agent can be introduced into the tissue through the needle 22 or, alternatively, the needle 22 may be withdrawn after insertion and a hypodermic needle inserted in the adapter cap 20 of the tube 16. The device is primarily for use in the administration of para cervical anaesthesia during the first stage of labour.