International Medical Development Inc.
Home of the Gertie Marx® Spinal Needle!
Innovative Needle Design
For more than 33 years, IMD has worked hand in hand with doctors across the globe, continually improving the Gertie Marx Needle design and helping patients reduce their risk of Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH).
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At IMD we understand that ensuring physicians have access to the right needle for every patient is critical which is why we offer a comprehensive range from 22G to 27G with lengths ranging from 50mm/2" to 215mm/8.5".
Proven by Design. Supported by Clinical Evidence
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The Gertie Marx® Spinal Needle features an atraumatic pencil-point tip designed to separate, rather than cut, dural fibers during insertion. This design provides tactile feedback as the dura is punctured, often described by practitioners as a distinctive "pop," which many clinicians find beneficial during both routine procedures and clinical trainings.
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Published peer-reviewed studies have consistently reported a substantial reduction in the occurrence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), as the result of a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak, when atraumatic spinal needles are used in place of traditional cutting needles. Published literature has reported PDPH rates of up to 40-50% following procedures performed with cutting spinal needles, depending on patient population, needle size, practitioner technique, and other procedural factors. Published studies evaluating the Gertie Marx® Spinal Needle have reported PDPH rates of less than 1% when the needle is used with appropriate clinical technique.​
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For more than 33 years, the Gertie Marx Spinal Needle has been trusted by anesthesiologists, radiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and other healthcare professionals around the world. Its distinctive atraumatic design, consistent manufacturing quality, and long history of clinical use have made it a preferred choice for practitioners seeking to reduce the risk of CSF Leaks while maintaining reliable performance.
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The clinical images and published studies on our site illustrate the differences between traditional cutting spinal needles, other atraumatic spinal needles, and the atraumatic Gertie Marx Spinal Needle. They demonstrate why an atraumatic spinal needle is the correct choice for both patients and practitioners.
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Picture depicts superior Gertie Marx eyelet position vs other spinal needles.
Key Benefits of the Gertie Marx Needle
Enhancing Patient Care
Comfort
Designed to provide tactile control and enhanced feedback for practitioners. Its ergonomic design allows for comfort and control, making every application smooth and effortless.
Precision
The unique "POP" of the Gertie Marx needle penetrating the dura also sets the standard for improving first time results in teaching environments.
Innovation
Studies suggest the Gertie Marx atraumatic needle has a very low (less than 1%) occurrence of PDPH when administered with proper technique.
Quality
Manufactured with the highest standards and materials to meet healthcare demands.
Reliability
Consistently performs. Quickly becoming the preferred needle for many practitioners around the world.
Efficiency
Streamlines procedures, saving time and increasing healthcare productivity.