N/A Completed N=110 Randomized Double-blind Treatment

Assessment of the Use of Ultrasound for Epidural Catheter Placement and Comparison With Palpation Technique

Postoperative Pain

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02271100 ↗

Enrolled (actual)

110

Serious AEs

0.0%

Results posted

Mar 2026

Primary outcomePrimary: Placement Below L3 Vertebra — 49; 49 Participants

Summary

This study is intended to determine whether ultrasound imaging can improve the ability to place a spinal or epidural needle in obstetric anesthesia. By evaluating the use of ultrasound for the placement of epidural catheters the investigators hope to answer two questions: 1. How does the traditional technique based on palpation compare to one using ultrasound to place an epidural catheter? 2. Does ultrasound reduce one potential risk in epidural placement?

Outcome Measures

Outcome	Result	p-value
PRIMARY Placement Below L3 Vertebra	49; 49	—
SECONDARY Time to Placement	173; 162	—
SECONDARY Success of the Epidural Catheter Placement	51; 49	—

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Healthy ASA I or II parturient
Will be receiving neuraxial placement for labor, having been consented for the procedure

Exclusion Criteria

ASA III or IV
Unable to participate in the study due to severe pain
Contraindications to neuraxial analgesia
Previous spinal surgery in the lumbar or sacral area (L1 through Sacrum)
BMI greater than 37
Height less than 60 inches
Significant scoliosis

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02271100). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication. Informational only — not medical advice.