A new peridural needle-the 'LOLO' needle

Peridural needles in present day use have a compromised function because of their circular cross section. An ideal peridural needle must be sharp to cut the spinal ligaments and at the same time blunt enough to ensure prevention of dural perforation. This ideal function is only possible if the bevel and tip of the needle are not inversely related as is the case in circular cross section needles. The 'LOLO' peridural needle developed by us is free of this compromise. It has a square cross section with a long, sharp eccentric tip. The bevel is flat and rectangular. The side opening is 4 mms from the tip of the needle through which the catheter is deflected out. Such a design is sharp to traverse the spinal ligaments and also effectively ensures dural tenting and prevent perforation. These properties have been proved by a myelographic study and compared to other conventional needles.