Echogenic Ultrasound Needles Developed to Reduce Radiation Exposure

New echogenic ultrasound needles have been developed that could help reduce radiation exposure. Four new echogenic needles using new, innovative Micro Laser Etching (MLE) technology creates multiple angled surfaces to reflect sound waves back to the transducer even at steep insertion angles.

Havel's, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, USA), a developer of echogenic needles, has announced the release of the echogenic EchoTuohy epidural needle, which 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. Those switching to ultrasound guidance for epidural steroid injections will be aided with the reflection from Havel's MLE echogenic feature as they guide their injection to its target. 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 and to Havel's new echogenic needles.

Havel's does something similar with their EchoStim and EchoBlock products using their patented Corner Cube Reflectors (CCR) marks, which indent the needle slightly making it impossible to pass wires or catheters through the cannula. Now, with the MLE technology, users are free to pass wires or catheters through the cannula without obstruction. John Barrett, vice president of sales and marketing for Havel's, Inc., said, "Once we had the technology to make needles echogenic without affecting the inner diameter, I knew a Tuohy epidural needle was our next logical addition to the line.”

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