Ultrasound Determination of Needle Depth in Epidurals in Adult Patients

September 4, 2013 updated by: University of Chicago

Ultrasound Determination of Needle Depth in Lumbar and Thoracic Epidurals in Adult Non-Parturient Patients

The introduction of local anesthetics and other medications into the epidural space is a principal technique in provision of anesthesia in many procedures. Typically the anesthetist accesses the epidural space blindly using palpation and visualization of external landmarks and then uses a needle to get to the epidural space. The investigators propose a prospective study of use of ultrasound in a large heterogeneous group of surgical candidates to define the relationship between the actual needle depth (ND) to the epidural space and measured ultrasound depth (UD). Establishing correctly the depth to the epidural space via ultrasound is a component of ultrasound imaging that might improve current technique, and might lead to faster performance of the epidural. Use of ultrasound may also improve the efficacy and safety of epidural placement.

The null hypothesis of this study is that ultrasound depth is similar to the needle depth in adult non parturient patients undergoing lumbar and thoracic epidurals. A parturient in this case is defined as a female currently near or going through labor.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

United States
- Illinois
  - Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60637
    - University of Chicago

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The patient population will include all non parturients above the age of 18 who are candidates for epidural placement prior to surgery

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

The patient population will include all non parturients above the age of 18 who are candidates for epidural placement prior to surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

Parturients, prisoners and patients younger than 18 years old will be excluded from this study.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Ultrasound depth Time Frame: At time of exam	Depth to epidural space as determined by ultrasound probe	At time of exam

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Chicago

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

September 1, 2009

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 1, 2010

Study Completion (Actual)

June 1, 2010

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

September 21, 2009

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria