An in vitro comparison of fluid leakage after dural puncture with Atraucan, Sprotte, Whitacre, and Quincke needles
Morrison, L.M.; McCrae, A.F.; Foo, I.; Scott, D.B.; Wildsmith, J.A.
Regional Anesthesia 21(2): 139-143
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0146-521X PMID: 8829406 Document Number: 462937
Background and objectives: The study was designed to evaluate the influence of needle size and design on the rate of leakage following dural puncture. Methods: An in vitro model and fresh human lumbar dura were used to examine the rate of fluid leakage after puncture with Sprotte (24-gauge and 26-gauge), Atraucan (24-gauge and 26-gauge), Quincke (26-gauge and 29-gauge), and Whitacre (22-gauge and 25-gauge) needles. Results: The study confirmed that finer-gauge needles tend to produce less leakage and that traditional Quincke pattern bevels result in greater leakage than pencil-point designs of the same diameter. Conclusions: The comparably low leakage rate produced by the Atraucan, a new needle with a terminal opening, suggests that this needle is worthy of further clinical evaluation.