Background: The atraumatic needle is recommended over the cutting needle to prevent complications related to lumbar puncture and to reduce costs to the health care system. However, very few practicing neurologists use the atraumatic needle, which in turn limits the teaching of its use to neurology residents. Despite this, neurology residents may be able to adopt the atraumatic needle for lumbar punctures.
Methods: Residents at one neurology residency program were given didactic sessions regarding the atraumatic needle and the opportunity to practice using a lumbar puncture simulator. After the first time a resident performed a lumbar puncture with the atraumatic needle, he or she was asked to complete an electronic survey.
Results: The reported mean number of lumbar punctures performed using the cutting needle prior to the study was 25. Eleven residents (92%) who used the atraumatic needle said they would use it again for future lumbar punctures. The most common reasons cited for wanting to continue to use the atraumatic needle were to prevent post-lumbar puncture headaches, to choose the cost-effective option, and to stay up-to-date with changes in practice.
Conclusion: Neurology residents can successfully adopt the atraumatic needle as standard of care for lumbar punctures.