Influence of Lumbar Ultrasound on Resident Learning Curve for Lateral Labor Epidural Placement

NCT ID: NCT02826668

Last Updated: 2024-10-01

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

TERMINATED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

28 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2014-06-30

Study Completion Date

2021-03-01

Brief Summary

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of lumbar spine ultrasound on the success rate and efficiency of labor epidural placement in the lateral position. The investigators hypothesize that ultrasound imaging of the lumbar spine of women in early labor will yield similar ultrasound results when done immediately prior to epidural placement. The investigators also hypothesize that the use of ultrasound with landmarks marked and depth to the epidural space estimated will facilitate epidural placement in terms of both efficiency (time required for placement) and efficacy of pain relief.

Detailed Description

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Several studies have demonstrated a significant benefit in pre-procedural ultrasound for epidural placement by anesthesia residents, particularly when performed in the obese population. To the investigators knowledge, however, no studies have evaluated this teaching modality for the lumber epidural technique in the lateral position. Formalizing the educational process for this less frequently performed, highly technical and critical skill may have a profound impact on trainee learning curves, and may enhance the overall success and efficiency of epidural placement, quality of analgesia provided, and safety of the procedure.

Conditions

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Labor Epidural Lumbar Ultrasound

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

OTHER

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Participants

Study Groups

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Control

Baseline ultrasound only, with no markings placed. No ultrasound prior to epidural placement.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Ultrasound

Baseline and pre-puncture ultrasound with markings placed.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Ultrasound

Intervention Type OTHER

A baseline lumbar ultrasound in a standardized lateral position (by bed markings) will be performed with the midline and L3-L4 interspace marked, and estimated depth to the epidural space recorded. A second lateral lumbar ultrasound will be performed immediately prior to placement at the time of epidural request. The bed position will be standardized with lines drawn down the back, at the flexion of the knee, and heel of the foot. The sonographic measurements will include the midline, the L3-4 interspace, (both marked at the skin surface), and the measured depth to the ligamentum flavum (in centimeters).

Interventions

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Ultrasound

A baseline lumbar ultrasound in a standardized lateral position (by bed markings) will be performed with the midline and L3-L4 interspace marked, and estimated depth to the epidural space recorded. A second lateral lumbar ultrasound will be performed immediately prior to placement at the time of epidural request. The bed position will be standardized with lines drawn down the back, at the flexion of the knee, and heel of the foot. The sonographic measurements will include the midline, the L3-4 interspace, (both marked at the skin surface), and the measured depth to the ligamentum flavum (in centimeters).

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* pregnant women
* 18 years or older
* in early labor (cervix dilated \< 5 cm
* pain visual analog score (VAS) \< 3, or both) requesting consultation by the anesthesia team for anticipated epidural pain relief.


* Anesthesia residents or fellows who are performing the epidural technique in pregnant subjects who agree to be part of the study.
* Anesthesia residents or fellows with prior experience in the lumbar epidural technique, defined as having placed 20 or greater lumbar epidurals during their residency and prior to enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria

* absolute contraindications of neuraxial anesthesia including patient refusal
* uncorrected coagulopathy
* infection at the skin site of epidural placement
* increased intracranial pressure, or untreated hemodynamic instability.
* In addition, patients with a history of scoliosis or spine surgery
* body mass index (BMI) \>40 kg/m2
* allergy to local anesthetic, or allergy to opioids will be excluded.

Anesthesiologists


* individuals who do not want to participate in the study.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Brigham and Women's Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Michaela Kristina Farber, MD

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Michaela K Farber, MD MS

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Locations

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Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

References

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Mhyre JM, Greenfield ML, Tsen LC, Polley LS. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials that evaluate strategies to avoid epidural vein cannulation during obstetric epidural catheter placement. Anesth Analg. 2009 Apr;108(4):1232-42. doi: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318198f85e.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19299793 (View on PubMed)

Harney D, Moran CA, Whitty R, Harte S, Geary M, Gardiner J. Influence of posture on the incidence of vein cannulation during epidural catheter placement. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2005 Feb;22(2):103-6. doi: 10.1017/s0265021505000190.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15816587 (View on PubMed)

Grau T, Bartusseck E, Conradi R, Martin E, Motsch J. Ultrasound imaging improves learning curves in obstetric epidural anesthesia: a preliminary study. Can J Anaesth. 2003 Dec;50(10):1047-50. doi: 10.1007/BF03018371.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 14656785 (View on PubMed)

Vallejo MC, Phelps AL, Singh S, Orebaugh SL, Sah N. Ultrasound decreases the failed labor epidural rate in resident trainees. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2010 Oct;19(4):373-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2010.04.002. Epub 2010 Aug 8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20696564 (View on PubMed)

Balki M. Locating the epidural space in obstetric patients-ultrasound a useful tool: continuing professional development. Can J Anaesth. 2010 Dec;57(12):1111-26. doi: 10.1007/s12630-010-9397-y. Epub 2010 Nov 11. English, French.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21063818 (View on PubMed)

Sahin T, Balaban O, Sahin L, Solak M, Toker K. A randomized controlled trial of preinsertion ultrasound guidance for spinal anaesthesia in pregnancy: outcomes among obese and lean parturients: ultrasound for spinal anesthesia in pregnancy. J Anesth. 2014 Jun;28(3):413-9. doi: 10.1007/s00540-013-1726-1. Epub 2013 Oct 20.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 24141882 (View on PubMed)

Carvalho JC. Ultrasound-facilitated epidurals and spinals in obstetrics. Anesthesiol Clin. 2008 Mar;26(1):145-58, vii-viii. doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2007.11.007.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18319185 (View on PubMed)

Grau T, Leipold RW, Fatehi S, Martin E, Motsch J. Real-time ultrasonic observation of combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2004 Jan;21(1):25-31. doi: 10.1017/s026502150400105x.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 14768920 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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2013P002510

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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