BD 409442 - Whitacre Spinal Needles, Precision Pencil-Point Design for Atraumatic Lumbar Puncture

BD 409442 - Whitacre Spinal Needles, Precision Pencil-Point Design for Atraumatic Lumbar Puncture

The BD 409442 - BD Whitacre Spinal Needles are high-precision, atraumatic spinal needles designed for safe and effective lumbar puncture and spinal anesthesia procedures. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD), these needles feature a pencil-point (Whitacre) tip that minimizes the risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) by parting rather than cutting dural fibers. The design ensures a clean, controlled flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and provides clinicians with superior tactile feedback during needle placement.

Each BD Whitacre Spinal Needle is engineered for optimal sharpness, smooth insertion, and reduced patient trauma, making it a trusted choice in anesthesia, obstetrics, and neurology departments worldwide.

Key Benefits

The BD Whitacre Spinal Needles are developed to enhance procedural accuracy, patient comfort, and clinical safety. Key advantages include:

• Atraumatic pencil-point tip:Reduces dural trauma and significantly decreases incidence of post-dural puncture headache.
• Precise tactile feedback:Allows clinicians to clearly sense tissue layers during insertion, improving placement accuracy.
• Smooth, low-resistance insertion:Minimizes tissue coring and ensures consistent CSF flow.
• High-quality stainless steel:Ensures rigidity, sharpness, and resistance to bending or breakage.
• Depth markings:Laser-etched markings enhance precision in needle advancement and placement.
• Transparent hub:Facilitates immediate CSF visualization for confirmation of dural entry.

Compatibility and Applications

The BD 409442 Whitacre Spinal Needles are compatible with standard introducers and syringes used in regional anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture procedures. They are commonly used in:

• Spinal anesthesia for surgical and obstetric procedures.
• Diagnostic lumbar punctures for cerebrospinal fluid sampling.
• Myelography and intrathecal medication administration.
• Pediatric and adult anesthesia applications requiring controlled CSF access.

These needles are available in multiple lengths and gauges to suit varying patient anatomies and clinical requirements.

Usage Guidelines

Inspect the sterile packaging before use. Connect the BD Whitacre Spinal Needle to the appropriate introducer or syringe under aseptic conditions. Insert with steady, controlled pressure until a subtle pop indicates dural puncture. Confirm CSF flow through the transparent hub before medication administration or sampling. Avoid excessive force or rotational motion to prevent tissue trauma. Dispose of the needle immediately after single use in an approved sharps container.

Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

The BD Whitacre Spinal Needles are CE-marked and FDA-cleared as Class II medical devices. They are manufactured under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality management systems and comply with international standards for sterile, single-use hypodermic and spinal needles. Each unit is sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) and validated for sterility assurance level (SAL) 10?6. The product is latex-free, DEHP-free, and non-pyrogenic, ensuring patient and clinician safety during use.

Comparison with Competitor Products

Compared to conventional Quincke cutting needles, BD Whitacre Spinal Needles provide significantly lower rates of post-dural puncture headaches and improved patient comfort. The pencil-point design allows for atraumatic penetration of the dura, whereas cutting needles increase the risk of CSF leakage and complications. In comparison to other atraumatic brands, BDs precise manufacturing and ergonomic hub design provide superior tactile control, sharpness retention, and ease of handling. The transparent hub design further enhances confirmation of CSF flow.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

These needles are intended for anesthesiologists, neurologists, and trained clinicians performing spinal procedures in:

• Operating rooms (spinal anesthesia for surgical cases).
• Labor and delivery suites (obstetric regional anesthesia).
• Neurology departments (diagnostic lumbar puncture procedures).
• Pain management and interventional clinics.

The BD Whitacre Spinal Needle is a preferred choice for reducing complications, improving patient experience, and ensuring consistent procedural outcomes.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Store the needles in their original packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use if packaging is damaged or the sterility indicator is compromised. Follow aseptic technique at all times. Always use the appropriate gauge and length for the patients body type and clinical indication. Dispose of used needles immediately after use in approved sharps containers according to hospital or institutional biohazard waste procedures.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The BD 409442 - BD Whitacre Spinal Needles meet all international regulatory and safety requirements for single-use sterile medical devices. They are made from biocompatible stainless steel and medical-grade polymer materials, compliant with ISO 7864 and ISO 9626 standards. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are available from BD upon request. This product is intended for professional use only by qualified healthcare practitioners trained in spinal and regional anesthesia techniques.

How to Order

To order the BD 409442 - BD Whitacre Spinal Needles, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We offer competitive pricing, fast delivery, and full product support for hospitals, surgical centers, and anesthesia providers. For bulk orders, Certificates of Conformance, or product documentation, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our representatives can assist with availability, compatible accessories, and product specifications.