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Injection needles designed to penetrate the space that separates the spine\'s outermost membrane (dura mater) from the enclosing vertebrae in the spinal cord. These devices typically consist of 14- to 20-gauge needles, 50 to 150 mm (2 to 6 inches) in length, with appropriate tips (e.g., Tuohy, pencil, wave) to minimize cutting and/or lesion of tissues and nerves. The needles may include permanent or removable wings and depth marks to facilitate accurate insertion. Epidural needles are usually attached to catheters that are threaded through the needle for the external infusion of fluids. The needles are then removed, and the epidural catheters are used to administer regional anesthesia during labor and delivery and in some surgical procedures; they are also used to manage intractable pain and for steroid injections.
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