title: Spinal anaesthesia--the current trend towards narrow gauge atraumatic (pencil point) needles. Case reports and review.
abstract: Advances in manufacturing technology have led to the wider availability and affordability of narrow gauge atraumatic spinal needles. The use of these needles is the most effective method available for anaesthetists to reduce the incidence of post dural puncture headache. Their use in all circumstances however, may not be appropriate in light of the problems which may be associated. These problems are illustrated here by four case reports and a review of the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Hoskin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004388:Dura Mater; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation