Tuohy needle

Tuohy needle

A 16G Portex Tuohy needle and epidural catheter. Large rule marks 1 cm apart.
Uses	Drug delivery
Related items	Hypodermic needle

A Tuohy needle is a hollow hypodermic needle, very slightly curved at the end, suitable for inserting epidural catheters.

Close-up of needle and catheter tip, showing the curved end at the needle's tip.

The needle features an anti-coring curve at its tip, as shown in the picture above left.

Epidural needle

Literally, an epidural needle is simply a needle that is placed into the epidural space. To provide continuous epidural analgesia or anesthesia, a small hollow catheter may be threaded through the epidural needle into the epidural space, and left there while the needle is removed. There are multiple types of epidural needles as well as catheters, but in modern practice in developed nations, disposable materials are used to ensure sterility. Types of epidural needles include: Crawford; Tuohy; Husted; Weiss; Eldor.

Epidural needles are designed with a curved tip to help prevent puncture of the dural membrane.

References

• Frolich MA, Caton D: Pioneers in epidural needle design. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2001; 93: 215-220