[Atraucan, a new needle for spinal analgesia]

One hundred and six consecutive patients, aged below 40 years, scheduled for surgery in the lower part of the body were chosen for this study. Patients were allocated randomly to have spinal analgesia with either a Sprotte 24G or an Atraucan 26G spinal needle. Incidences of insufficient blocks were higher after dural puncture with the Atraucan needle. Nineteen patients reported post dural puncture headache (PDPH) with a significantly higher proportion in the Atraucan group (two patients suffered mild (4%) and 14 severe (98%) PDPH) compared to the Sprotte group (three patients suffered mild (6%) PDPH. Eight patients (16%), all in the Atraucan group, required an epidural blood patch. Ease of needle insertion and number of puncture attempts were the same for both needles. We conclude that due to the high incidence of PDPH the Atraucan 26G spinal needle cannot be recommended for spinal analgesia in young patients.