Other new inventions

Dr. El Mulla's Invention

The following is a brief description of El Mulla's Device for the safe location of the epidural space: "The invention is based on detecting the slight vacuum that exists inside the epidural space.This is detected by a small inflated balloon, which collapses the moment the needle reaches the epidural space." The device consists of the following 2 main parts: Solid rubber tube this has an inflatable balloon at one end and a one-way valve at the other. 3-way connector has a built-in 3-way valve. The openings of the connector fit the epidural needle, the solid rubber tube and the inflating syringe respectively. In practice, the device is used as follows: Following the preparation and disinfection of the patient's back, the epidural needle is inserted and advanced some 2-3 cms. Using an ordinary medical syringe and the appropriate settings of the 3-way valve, the rubber balloon is inflated with approximately 5 cm3 of air. The rubber tube with the inflated balloon at one end is then inserted into the end of the epidural needle and the 3-way valve is turned into a position where the inflated balloon is in direct communication with the needle cavity. At this stage, the anesthetist continues to slowly advance the epidural needle into the patient's back, until the rubber balloon suddenly deflates, indicating the presence of the epidural space. In order to double-check whether the needle tip is accurately within this space, the 3-way valve is rotated to allow direct communication between the needle cavity and the atmosphere. In this position, the exit of biological fluids can be observed (either blood or cerebrospinal fluid). The absence of any fluid usually confirms the precise location of the tip of the needle within the epidural space, indicating that it is safe to carry out the injection procedure.

After inflating the balloon, the anesthetist is about to advance the needle into the epidural space Suddenly the balloon deflates - indicating the presence of the epidural space

The apparent simplicity of El Mulla's Device hides some intricate features. These ensure the safe and practical operation of the device and allow easy cleaning. The device was fully field tested under normal hospital conditions.