Epidural needles are used for the injection or infusion of pain medication into the epidural space. Once the needle is in the dural space, a catheter is advanced for infusion or injection of pain medication. The needle is pulled out of the patient and off of the catheter. A standard epidural needle remains a contaminated sharp until is properly destroyed. Safety Epidural catheters are available that contain the sharp point of the needle thus preventing accidental needlesticks.
Perifix® Safety Epidural Needle
|
Standard Epidural Needle Placement To perform an epidural it is necessary for the back to be curved forward as much as possible in order to open up the spaces between the vertebrae.
A special epidural needle is then inserted slowly until the epidural space is found when the anesthesiologists feels resistance. A fine epidural catheter is then inserted through the needle and the needle itself is then removed.
|
Perifix® Safety Epidural Needle
Once the anesthesia provider has completed their epidural procedure, the needle is withdrawn from the patient’s back. At this point, the anesthesia provider advances the deployment shroud containing the safety clip towards the tip of the epidural needle. The clip engages over the tip of the epidural needle and locks into place neutralizing the sharps hazard. Then the entire assembly is disposed of in a nearby sharps container.
The Perifix Safety Epidural Needle will soon be a key component in all of B. Braun's forthcoming line of safety regional anesthesia trays. These safety trays and devices help B. Braun address the risk concerns faced by hospitals as they strive to have their anesthesia departments comply with the 2000 Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act [H.R. 5178], new JCAHO accreditation standards, and local healthcare worker safety legislation.”
For some interesting history of the design of this product - click here. For information about ordering product click here. |
Helpful Web Pages
- Sharps Injury Prevention Resources
- Sharps Safety Products Categories
- ISIPS Safety Feature Evaluation Forms
- Exposure Control Plan
- Where to find Safety Products? Click here for the most comprehensive list of safety products found anywhere!