Whitacre Needle
Pronunciation: WIT-ah-ker
A pencil-point spinal needle designed to reduce the incidence of post-dural puncture headache. Features a solid, non-cutting tip with a side port for cerebrospinal fluid flow.
Full Definition
The Whitacre needle is a specialized pencil-point spinal needle used in obstetric anesthesia, particularly for spinal blocks during cesarean sections. Unlike cutting-tip needles, the Whitacre design features a solid, rounded tip with a side opening that parts rather than cuts dural fibers, significantly reducing the risk of post-dural puncture headache. The needle's design allows for smooth insertion through the dura while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. Available in various gauges (typically 25G to 27G for obstetric use), the Whitacre needle has become the gold standard for spinal anesthesia in pregnant patients due to its superior safety profile.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as it is a proprietary name derived from the inventor Dr. Whitacre.
In Context
- "The anesthesiologist selected a 25-gauge Whitacre needle for the spinal block to minimize the risk of headache." — Operative report
- "Hospital policy mandates the use of Whitacre needles for all obstetric spinal procedures." — Clinical protocol