SBIR Phase I: Improving the safety and efficacy of epidural anesthesia

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an improved method for the controlled introduction of the epidural needle into the epidural space. The simple technology relies on torsional-resistance and control to allow physicians to access the epidural space without doing accidental damage to the dura,The current method used for accessing the epidural space involves the blind insertion of the epidural needle by the physician to the depth of 2-4 cm through the skin and ligamentum flavum. An increase in the resistance to forward needle advancement is the only indication to the physician that s/he is in the epidural space. Development of a device that allows controlled advancement of the epidural needle would be of great use to the physicians performing this procedure and would reduce the likelihood of damage to the dura as a result of a misinsertion.