What is a cisternal puncture?

A suboccipital puncture or cisternal puncture is a diagnostic procedure that can be performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for biochemical, microbiological, and cytological analysis, or rarely to relieve increased intracranial pressure.

Where is Cisternal puncture done?

cisternal puncture puncture of the cisterna cerebellomedullaris with a hollow needle inserted just between the occipital bone, to obtain a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the use of lumbar puncture needle?

During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury.

What is lumbar puncture needle called?

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia using a sterile technique. A hypodermic needle is used to access the subarachnoid space and collect fluid.

What is the medical definition of a cisternal puncture?

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Financial, Encyclopedia. pertaining to a cistern, especially the cisterna cerebellomedullaris. cisternal puncture puncture of the cisterna cerebellomedullaris with a hollow needle inserted just between the occipital bone, to obtain a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid. See also lumbar puncture. Patient Care.

Can a cisternal puncture cause brain herniation?

Cisternal puncture uses a needle placed below the occipital bone (back of the skull). It can be dangerous because it is so close to the brain stem. It is always done with fluoroscopy. Ventricular puncture may be recommended in people with possible brain herniation. This is a very rarely used method.

When was the cisternal puncture for CSF described?

Cisternal puncture for acquiring CSF was described by Obregia in 1908 and by Ayer in 1919 [ 3 – 5 ]. The procedure was performed from a posterior suboccipital approach with the patient in the lateral decubitus position or sitting upright with the head flexed.

Where does the needle go in a suboccipital puncture?

The needle is placed in the midline, passing just under the occipital bone, into the (usually large) cisterna magna (Fig. 23-2). This is technically fairly easy; however, if the needle is advanced too far it can enter the medulla, sometimes causing sudden respiratory arrest and death.