Intrathecal catheter having a stylet with a curved tip

Abstract

An apparatus includes a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system and a stylet having a curved forward end. Preferably, the curved forward end has a shape in the form of a “J” or a “C.” Also preferably, the catheter has a distal end that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet. Thus, the present invention provides a catheter having a blunt forward end that minimizes the risk of penetrating the substance of the spinal cord. Additionally, the curved forward end of the stylet can be formed of a springy material so that it straightens out during the processes of insertion through a guide needle and retraction from the needle.

1 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system; and    a stylet, wherein the stylet has a curved forward end.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter comprises a lumen for housing the stylet.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter has a tip that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the curved forward end of the stylet has a shape generally in the form of a “J.” 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the curved forward end of the stylet has a shape generally in the form of a “C.” 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the curved forward end comprises a resilient and flexible material.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter has a biocompatible body with at least one opening extending along the body near its distal end for drug delivery to target tissue.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the intrathecal catheter has a closed distal end.  
   
   
       9 . A method for introducing a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system into the intrathecal space, comprising: 
 inserting a stylet having a curved forward end into an intrathecal catheter;    inserting the intrathecal catheter having a forward tip into an incision in the body; and    guiding the intrathecal catheter into the intrathecal space by manipulation of the stylet.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising removing the stylet from the intrathecal catheter such that the curved forward end of the stylet straightens out during removal from the catheter.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein removing the stylet further comprises causing the tip of the catheter to straighten out in the intrathecal space.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inserting the catheter into the body further comprises inserting the catheter through a guide needle positioned in the intrathecal space.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising anchoring the intrathecal catheter to adjacent tissue.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising connecting the intrathecal catheter to a drug delivery pump.  
   
   
       15 . A kit for intrathecal drug delivery, comprising: 
 an intrathecal catheter;    a stylet having a curved forward end; and    a drug delivery pump, wherein all of the above are packaged in a single kit.    
   
   
       16 . The kit of  claim 15  further comprising a guide needle and an insertion device.  
   
   
       17 . The kit of  claim 15  further comprising suturing supplies.  
   
   
       18 . The kit of  claim 15  further comprising a tunneling tool.