Hanging Drop Technique

The hanging drop technique is used for puncture of the epidural space.

Principle

The hanging drop technique makes use of subatmospheric pressure in the epidural space. During epidural puncture, the needle is filled with fluid so that a visible drop is present at the posterior end of the needle. When the needle tip enters the epidural space, this fluid drop is aspirated by the subatmospheric pressure[^1].

Figure

Hanging-drop technique
Visualization of the fluid-filled puncture needle before entering the epidural space. Figure adapted from Ludmil et al. 2014.
Hanging-drop technique
Once the needle tip enters the epidural space, the fluid in the needle is drawn in by the subatmospheric pressure in the epidural space. Figure adapted from Ludmil et al. 2014.

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