Tuohy needle

Tuohy Needle

The Tuohy needle (pronounced: TOO-ee) is a hollow medical needle specifically designed for epidural anesthesia. It was named after its inventor, Dr. Edward Boyce Tuohy.

Etymology

The Tuohy needle is named after Dr. Edward Boyce Tuohy (1908–1959), an American anesthesiologist. Dr. Tuohy developed the needle in 1945 while working at the Mayo Clinic.

Description

The Tuohy needle is characterized by its curved, blunt tip which is designed to navigate through the epidural space without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding tissues. It is typically used in conjunction with a catheter, which is threaded through the needle into the epidural space to deliver anesthesia.

Usage

The primary use of the Tuohy needle is in the administration of epidural anesthesia, a common method of pain relief during childbirth and surgery. The needle is also used in epidural steroid injections to treat chronic back pain and in lumbar puncture procedures.

Related Terms

Epidural Anesthesia: A type of anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body.
Catheter: A thin tube made from medical grade materials serving a broad range of functions.
Lumbar Puncture: A procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower part of the spinal column to test for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system.