Tuohy needle

Tuohy Needle

The Tuohy needle is a specialized medical needle commonly used in anesthesia and pain management procedures. It is named after Dr. Edward Tuohy, who developed the needle in the 1940s. The Tuohy needle is particularly known for its use in epidural anesthesia, where it facilitates the delivery of anesthetic agents into the epidural space of the spine.

A Tuohy needle

Design and Features

The Tuohy needle is characterized by its curved tip, which is designed to help guide the needle into the epidural space without puncturing the dura mater. This feature reduces the risk of dural puncture, a complication that can lead to post-dural puncture headache. The needle typically has a gauge size ranging from 16 to 18, and it is equipped with a stylet to prevent tissue coring during insertion.

Close-up of a Tuohy needle tip

Uses

The primary use of the Tuohy needle is in the administration of epidural anesthesia, a technique widely used in obstetrics for labor pain management. It is also employed in chronic pain management procedures, such as epidural steroid injections. The needle's design allows for the precise placement of catheters, which can deliver continuous or intermittent doses of medication.

Procedure

During an epidural procedure, the patient is typically positioned in a sitting or lateral decubitus position. The skin is cleaned and anesthetized, and the Tuohy needle is inserted into the intervertebral space. The needle is advanced until the epidural space is identified, often using the loss of resistance technique. Once the space is located, a catheter can be threaded through the needle for medication delivery.

Complications

While the Tuohy needle is designed to minimize complications, there are still risks associated with its use. These include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Proper technique and aseptic conditions are essential to reduce these risks.

Related Pages

• Epidural anesthesia
• Spinal anesthesia
• Anesthesia
• Pain management

Tuohy needle

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  Tuohy needle

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  Tuohy needle tip