title: Modification to the Sprotte spinal needle.
abstract: The large lateral hole of the Sprotte needle is claimed to aid cerebrospinal fluid efflux during the performance of spinal anaesthesia. Using theoretical calculations and practical measurement we have shown that reducing the area of the lateral hole to that of the cross sectional area of the needle does not affect the flow rate. We suggest this modified Sprotte needle is an improved design which has the potential advantages of reducing the incidence of inadequate spinal anaesthesia and strengthening the needle tip.
authors.affiliation: Manchester Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Aglan
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Stansby
mesh_terms: D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D012212:Rheology