Whitacre Spinal Needles

The Whitacre spinal needle, also known as “Whitacre pencil point spinal needle”, “spinal needle Whitacre style”, “pencil point spinal Whitacre style needle” or “Long Length Whitacre Pencil Point Spinal Needle” is a medical spinal needle, boasting the additional advantage of decreasing the risk of postdural puncture headache. The Whitacre needle features a closed tip shaped like a pencil, with the hole at the end of the needle, usually available in different sizes with lengths ranging from 90 mm to 119 mm and gauges from 22 G to 27 G on the market. Manners Technology has samples (without stylet) of 29 G and even 33G or other more precise sizes with high quality that can be customized.

Applications

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and backache are well known complications of spinal anaesthesia. The configuration of the needle-tip has received increased attention lately and the use of non-cutting tip spinal needles such as those of Whitacre or Sprotte is thought to significantly reduce both the trauma of dural puncture and the incidence of spinal headache. Comparing the utility and complication rate of the Whitacre and Ouincke spinal needles, for routine clinical use the Whitacre needle appears to be associated with better performance and increased reliability. The ease of handling of the Whitacre needle, even in inexperienced hands, increases the speed and certainty of dural puncture.

Pencil-point needles like the Whitacre spinal needles have been shown to minimize the risk of PDPH compared to larger gauge, cutting-point needles. With smaller pencil-point and conical-shaped spinal needles becoming increasingly available, a possible alternative in younger patients is the use of 29-gauge needles, which are associated with a very low incidence of PSH after spinal anaesthesia. If headache occurs it tends to be mild and self-limiting. Manners Technology is experienced in the production of very fine needles that we have had samples of 29 G and even 33-gauge needles are available. Manners also offer the option of thin walls for maximized flow through same gauged needles.

Manufacturing

Manners Technology’s Whitacre High-flow Pencil Point Spinal Needles are high quality products designed for exceptional precision and excellent performance. It’s about a comprehensive range of ergonomically designed Whitacre spinal needle: The needles feature regular wall design, Whitacre high-flow pencil point tip type and a safe polypropylene Luer hub, and its clear hub design enables anaesthesiologists to visualize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for proper needle placement; Precision-formed side hole of the Long Length Whitacre Pencil Point Spinal Needle helps directional flow of anesthetic agents and helps reduce the possibility of straddling the dura; While the modification of rounding-off the normal diamond-shaped tip is in order to diminish trauma to the dura mater. The product is PVC, BPA, DEHP and Latex free for enhanced patient safety and elimination of latex associated allergies. With medical grade stainless steel material, the needles Manners Technology produced are sterile and intended for single use only.