| tracheoesophageal puncture | A small opening made by a surgeon between the oesophagus and the trachea. A valve keeps food out of the trachea but lets air into the oesophagus for oesophageal speech. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| lumbar puncture | A diagnostic procedure where a sterile needle is introduced into the lower spine (L2) to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes. Chemical analysis, cellular analysis and CSF pressure can all be measured with this procedure. This test can aid in the diagnosis of meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage and multiple sclerosis. (27 Sep 1997) |
| lumbar puncture needle | A needle, provided with a stylet, for entering the spinal canal or cisterna magna, with a bore of at least 1 mm and 40 mm or more in length. (05 Mar 2000) |