Stylet-free epidural catheter and thread assist device

In combination, a stylet-free catheter and a thread assist device, comprising:

• (A) a stylet-free catheter for insertion into a patient via a needle defining proximally a needle hub and distally a needle tip comprising:
• a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body connecting said proximal and distal ends;
• said body defining therealong a stiffening section of a predetermined length disposed a predetermined distance proximally of said distal end such that it is located generally about an area where said body approaches a needle hub when said distal end approaches a needle tip;
• said stiffening section having a flexural stiffness at least twice that of the remainder of said body;
• and
• (B) a thread assist device to reduce buckling of said catheter being inserted through a needle, said TAD device comprising:
• a body defining a TAD proximal end, a TAD distal end substantially spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from said TAD proximal end, and a TAD sidewall connecting said TAD proximal and distal ends;
• said TAD distal end being configured and dimensional for at least partial receipt and releasable maintenance within a hub of a needle;
• said TAD sidewall being configured and dimensioned intermediate said TAD proximal and distal ends to define an aperture through said sidewall for enabling axial sliding manipulation of said catheter through the needle hub by a user via said aperture;
• said TAD proximal and distal ends substantially precluding non-axial movement of said catheter at said TAD ends and said TAD sidewall limiting non-axial movement of said catheter between said TAD ends.