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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01172730

The Use of Ultrasound to Measure Depth of Thoracic Epidural Space

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Post Operative Trauma Acute Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

UMass Memorial Medical Center

Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Ultrasound scanning

Device

Ultrasound scanning is used to define needle insertion point and depth of epidural space.

Other names: LogicE GE portable ultrasound machine

Primary outcomes

  1. The success rate of epidural catheter to control pain

    Time frame: post operative day # 1

Secondary outcomes

  1. The complication rate from epidural catheter placement.

    Time frame: Immediate complications 24 hrs after

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Use of Ultrasound to Measure Depth of Thoracic Epidural Space Compared With Blind Technique

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2013
First posted
Jul 30, 2010
Registry last updated
Apr 11, 2013

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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