The Tuohy needle for epidural anaesthesia features:

• centimetric graduations
• a transparent hub to visualise any fluid reflux (blood or CSF)
• removable wings for easier insertion
• the heel of the bevel is smoothed to reduce the risk of cutting the epidural catheter
• a stainless steel stylet (except code 184.881: plastic stylet)
• the hub of the stylet is colour-coded according to the diameter of the needle and features a lug to indicate the orientation of the bevel
• extra-long needles are available for obese patients

Note: The Tuohy needle code 184.882 (18G, 8cm long) includes an opening in the curved distal end of the needle (also called back-eye) which is useful if the anesthetist wants to perform a combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.