Spinal fluid introduction

Abstract

A fluid introduction system includes an introducer configured to create a pressure of at least 69 kPa within a spine, and an operator configured to actuate the introducer to introduce fluid into the spine according to a predetermined fluid introduction profile. The system can include a computer readable medium having code for receiving fluid introduction data indicative of a fluid introduction parameter, and for receiving response data indicative of a response of the patient at a time related to a time of the fluid introduction data. A method for introducing fluid includes positioning a first introducer in a first portion of a spine, positioning a second introducer in a second, different portion of the spine and, without removing the first and second introducers, introducing fluid into the first portion of the spine with the first introducer and introducing fluid into the second portion of the spine with the second introducer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A syringe comprising:
 a reservoir;   a plunger slidable with respect to the reservoir to apply pressure to fluid therein; and   a pressure transducer secured with respect to the plunger such that the pressure transducer is in direct contact with fluid in the reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The syringe of  claim 1 , wherein a receivable portion of the plunger is receivable within the reservoir and the syringe comprises a cap secured with respect to the receivable portion of the plunger, the pressure transducer being disposed between at least a portion of the cap and at least a portion of the receivable portion of the plunger. 
     
     
         3 . The syringe of  claim 2 , wherein the cap comprises a hole configured to allow fluid present within the reservoir to contact the pressure transducer. 
     
     
         4 . The syringe of  claim 2 , wherein the cap and the plunger are not rotatable with respect to one another when the cap is secured with respect to the receivable portion of the plunger. 
     
     
         5 . The syringe of  claim 4 , wherein the cap and the receivable portion of the plunger each comprise an asymmetrical portion, the asymmetrical portions of the cap and plunger mating with one another to secure the cap with respect to the plunger. 
     
     
         6 . The syringe of  claim 2 , wherein the cap comprises a resilient material that provides a seal within the syringe. 
     
     
         7 . The syringe of  claim 1 , wherein the plunger comprises a shaft, a first contact, a conductor extending along the shaft, and a second contact configured to mate with an actuator arm and to communicate pressure data from the pressure transducer. 
     
     
         8 . The syringe of  claim 2 , wherein the cap defines a passage such that the pressure transducer is in direct contact with fluid in the reservoir via the passage. 
     
     
         9 . The syringe of  claim 8 , wherein the cap comprises a gasket seal surrounding the passage to provide a seal around the pressure transducer. 
     
     
         10 . The syringe of  claim 2 , wherein the plunger comprises projections and the cap comprises notches for receiving the projections to join the plunger and cap together. 
     
     
         11 . The syringe of  claim 10 , wherein cooperation between the projections and notches secure the pressure transducer on at least two sides. 
     
     
         12 . The syringe of  claim 10 , wherein the projections and the notches are asymmetric so that the cap and the plunger are secured together in only one orientation. 
     
     
         13 . The syringe of  claim 1 , wherein the plunger comprises an asymmetric butt such that the plunger is positioned in only one orientation with respect to a fluid delivery device.