New method for producing an innovative cannula used for spinal anaesthesia

2. Technology
The new cannula for spinal anaesthesia is provided with a rigid tube (2) whose distal end (6) gradually tapers in the direction of the tip (4) and comprises a sideways placed opening (8) through where the anaesthetic fluid exits. Thanks to the unique geometry, the new cannula decreases patient complications like post spinal headache caused by the older open cannulas that punches out tissue, or the required deep insertion of conventional pencil point cannulas which might injure nerve fibres. The new production method is characterized by the deforming or bending of the cannula's angular zone, which makes it possible to produce the tip and the sideways placed opening in one single operation. Conventional pencil point cannulas require at least two production steps, thus automated production is more complicated.

3. Development Stage
The patented method exists as a prototype.
4. Market / Opportunity
Spinal anaesthesia is commonly used prior surgical procedures like caesarean section, and knee and hip operations, In Germany it is estimated that 3.5 million spinal anaesthesia procedures are exe-cuted each year (3500 hospitals x 1000 procedures/hospital/year) and each procedure requires one cannula á 8€, which gives a national market worth 28 M€. The market for cannulas used for spinal anaesthesia in Germany, France, Great Britain and the US might be as high as 500 M€. The new cannula can through its innovative geometry provide a higher patient compliance compared to conventional pencil point or open cannulas, and thereby the demand from healthcare providers is expected to be high. Through the patented production method the manufacturing costs can be kept at a minimum and the margins still be hold on a high level.

The patent could be interesting for any company active in the area of medical devices and/or an IP-company that could grant license to a number of potential licensees, resp. enforce licenses in cases of unlawful breach of the patent.

5. IP / Status of the Patent application
Priority Date 17.10.2002
Priority number and status DE10248377 A1 Granted
Further application and status DE20220414 U1 Granted
Further application and status EP1480700 B1 Granted in DE, FR, GB
Further application and status US7458142 (B2) Granted
6. Contact Details
If you are interested in the described technology and/or further information on the Patent, please contact
engage – Key Technology Ventures AG
Mr. Joakim Ketonen
Karlstrasse 45B
D – 76133 Karlsruhe (Germany)
Tel. +49 (721) 9134500
Cell. +46 (70) 7687005
Fax. +49 (721) 9134599
E-Mail: j.ketonen@engage-ventures.com