Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What type of needle is less likely to damage the dura during insertion?

1. Standard cutting needle

2. Quincke needle

3. Whitacre needle

4. Hollow bore needle

The correct answer is: Whitacre needle

The Whitacre needle is designed specifically for spinal anesthesia and is recognized for its unique, pencil-point tip, which allows for a more controlled and precise insertion. This design minimizes the risk of damaging delicate structures such as the dura mater during the procedure. The shape of the Whitacre needle facilitates a separation rather than a cutting action through the tissue layers, effectively reducing the likelihood of creating a larger puncture or tear in the dura. In contrast, other types of needles like the standard cutting needle and Quincke needle have cutting edges that can increase the risk of damage to the dura when inserted. The hollow bore needle lacks the specialized design features of the Whitacre needle that help reduce trauma to surrounding tissues, which is crucial during procedures that require precision in the spinal area. The increased risk of complications with these other needle types underscores the advantage of using the Whitacre needle for spine-related anesthetic procedures.