An evaluation of non-Luer safety connectors for neuraxial procedures

We evaluated seven non-Luer spinal needles in a two-part study. In part 1, we measured the time to see and collect simulated cerebrospinal fluid. In part 2, clinicians scored needle quality using a standardised questionnaire. The mean (SD) times to see cerebrospinal fluid varied in the lateral position from 4.2 (0.3) s (Vygon) to 25.2 (1.5) s (Sarstedt), and in the sitting position from 1.7 (0.2) s (BBraun) to 6.6 (0.3) s (Sarstedt). The time to collect cerebrospinal fluid varied from 43 (2.5) s (Vygon) to 139 (9.6) s (Pajunk) and from 19 (0.4) s (BBraun) to 34 (1.7) s (Pajunk), for the lateral and sitting positions, respectively. Median (IQR [range]) satisfaction scores in 205 needle function assessments were as follows: Sarstedt 9.0 (8.0-9.3 [5.0-10.0]); BD 8.0 (7.0-9.5 [3.0-10.0]); Pajunk 9.0 (8.0-9.8 [5.0-10.0]); Neurax 8.0 (7.0-9.0 [2.0-9.0]); Smiths 8.0 (7.0-9.0 [4.0-10.0]); Vygon 8.0 (7.5-9.0 [5.0-10.0]); and BBraun 9.0 (9.0-10.0 [7.0-10.0]). The difference in satisfaction scores between the BBraun and Neurax was significant (p < 0.01). A number of recurrent problems were found during the evaluation. The variation in time to collect cerebrospinal fluid samples may have implications for non-anaesthetic practice. This evaluation provides a baseline to assist others in commencing their procurement process.