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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Modified Method for Intrathecal Catheterization in Rats
Published on: February 14, 2025
Post-dural puncture headache in young adults: comparison of two small-gauge spinal catheters with different needle
U W Gosch1, M Hueppe, M Hallschmid
1Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany. u-gosch@foni.net
Background:
To reduce the risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in continuous spinal anaesthesia, small-gauge spinal catheter systems with different techniques of dural perforation have been developed.
Methods:
Two systems, the catheter through-needle technique (MicroCatheter, Portex, UK) and the catheter over-needle technique (22G Spinocath, B. Braun, Germany), were used in 18 young healthy volunteers (age 18-30 yr), who were enrolled in a neuroendocrinological investigation for analysis of neuropeptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After intermittent sampling of CSF (17 x 0.5 ml over 4 h), the catheter was removed and the development of PDPH and pain intensity were documented prospectively by the subjects in a standardized headache assessment (11-point numerical rating scale [NRS]).
Results:
The study revealed a high overall incidence of PDPH (78%) with no significant differences between groups (P=0.26). However, the over-needle group showed a significantly shorter duration of PDPH (2.4 [SD 2.3] vs 5.1 [3.1] days, P=0.050) and lower maximum pain intensity (3.1 [2.9] vs 7.3 [3.4] NRS, P=0.014) than the through-needle group.
Conclusions:
The results demonstrate a potential benefit of the catheter over-needle technique for the reduction of the duration and intensity of PDPH.
