abuts the ligmentum flavum the stylet 32 is removed and the needle connected to a loss of resistance syringe as described earlier the needle is advanced into the epidural space at this point the syringe is disconnected from the needle and the anesthetist is now ready to insert the catheter for introducing anesthesia into the epidural space as will now be described with reference to fig7 a catheter 44 is shown to comprise a cannula 46 having opposed distal and proximal ends 48 and 50 respectively the distal end 46 is inserted within the proximal end 24 of the needle hub 20 and advanced until the proximal end of the cannula is inserted the desired distance within the epidural space the needle is then carefully withdrawn from the patient over the catheter the proximal end of the catheter 50 is releasably secured to the distal end 52 of an adapter 56 having a hollow bore 58 extending from the distal end 52 to the proximal end 60 of the adapter the proximal end of the adapter has a syringe port or luer fitting 62 for securing the adapter to a syringe or other source of liquid anesthesia while not essential the adapter 56 is preferably provided with a finger grip flange 64 having holes 66 for securing the adapter to the patient 39 s gown or other item and a cap 68 fitable within the syringe port 62 the cap 68 being secured to the adapter by linkage 70 and.