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NCT Number: NCT04983511

Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test for Detecting Epidural Catheter Reactivation in Obstetric Population

Following labor, epidural or combined spinal-epidural (CSE) catheters are kept in place and deactivated. However, many women opt for procedures such as tubal ligation, which may require epidural anesthesia as a method of pain relief. Our study aims to confirm the ability to predict reactivation of epidural catheter in postpartum females through the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) which was first described by the PI of this study approximately 20 years ago.

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Key information

Conditions

Obstetric Pain Anesthesia, Local Labor Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

In this study, investigators hope to investigate the ability of the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) to predict reactivation of epidural catheter in postpartum females. The standard practice for confirming the reactivation of epidural or CSE catheters requires methods such as dosing the local anesthetic. With the EST test this will allow for the anesthesiologist to determine whether or not the epidural can be activated immediately.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Females, 18 years and older
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II
  • Status post natural labor/birth process or C-section
  • Has epidural or CSE catheter
  • Upcoming procedure requiring epidural/CSE anesthesia for pain management

Exclusion criteria

  • Contraindication to regional anesthesia
  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to lidocaine, bupivacaine, or fentanyl
  • Use of sedatives or opioids
  • Abnormal vertebrae anatomy
  • Neurological disorder with lumbar involvement
  • Implanted electronic devices
  • Did not receive epidural or CSE anesthesia

Treatment and study plan

Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test (EST)

Diagnostic Test

EST measures sensory/motor responses

Primary outcomes

  1. Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test

    Time frame: Duration of EST test (approximately 1-2 hours)

    Investigate the ability of the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) to predict epidural catheter reactivation.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ban C.H. Tsui, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(650) 200-9107

Ksenia Kasimova, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(650) 788-9458

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Stanford University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 30, 2021
Registry last updated
May 1, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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