Acute Pain, Post Operative Trauma
Conditions
Keywords
Post operative pain, thoracic epidural, acute pain, Ultrasound scanning of the thoracic spine
Brief summary
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of ultrasound scanning of the thoracic spine to define the point of insertion and the depth of the epidural space compared to the blind technique. The study hypothesis is the use of Ultrasound will improve the success rate of epidural placement and may also decrease the rate of complications.
Interventions
DEVICEUltrasound scanning
Ultrasound scanning is used to define needle insertion point and depth of epidural space.
Sponsors
University of Massachusetts, Worcester
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients 18 years and older having a thoracic epidural catheter * Both male and female patients.
Exclusion criteria
* Pediatric population \< 18 years of age * Pregnancy * Prisoners * Absolute Contraindication to thoracic epidural placement severe scoliosis or deformity, * Patients with previous spine surgery or hardware implanted at level of epidural placement, * Anticipated ventilation postoperatively for a period more that 24 hrs * Lack of patient consent to enroll in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The success rate of epidural catheter to control pain | post operative day # 1 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The complication rate from epidural catheter placement. | Immediate complications 24 hrs after |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed