New Ultrasound Needle Can Help Reduce Radiation Dose

September 20, 2010 — The new EchoTuohy needle for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia can help reduce radiation exposure.

Last month, Havel's released four new echogenic needles using its new Micro Laser Etching (MLE) technology, which creates multiple angled surfaces to reflect sound waves back to the transducer, even at steep insertion angles. The new Echogenic EchoTuohy epidural needle will be used for ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks, epidural catheter placement and epidural steroid injections. 

As ultrasound image quality continues to improve, many practitioners are looking for ways to avoid radiation exposure for themselves and their patients. The portability of ultrasound units, the expense of big fluoroscopy equipment and the growth of pain management are all reasons why people are turning to ultrasound-guided procedures.

Havel's does something similar with its EchoStim and EchoBlock products using its patented Corner Cube Reflectors or CCR marks, which indent the needle slightly, making it impossible to pass wires or catheters through the cannula. With the MLE technology, users are free to pass wires or catheters through the cannula without obstruction.