What does "Lumbar catheter" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
A lumbar catheter is a thin tube that doctors insert into the lower part of the spine, which is also known as the lumbar region. This tube is used to either deliver medication directly to the spinal cord and brain, or to remove fluid for testing or to relieve pressure. The procedure to insert this tube is usually done under local anesthesia, which means the patient is awake but the area is numbed.
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