Fluoroscopy-guided Versus Traditional Placement of Epidural Catheters
Pain, Postoperative, Pain, Chronic
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Pain, Postoperative
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patient scheduled for open thoracotomy procedure
- Patient provides informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age less than 19
- Pregnancy
- Contraindication to an epidural catheter placement bleeding disorder cardiac valve stenosis systemic infection spinal abnormality
- Allergy to local anesthetics or X-ray dye
- Patient refusal to participate
Sites / Locations
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Fluoroscopy
Traditional
Real-time fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to confirm placement of an epidural catheter in the spinal epidural space at the desired location. Following epidural catheter placement, 1/8% bupivacaine is infused at 4ml/hr into the epidural catheter during and after surgery for pain control.
The traditional approach for placement of an epidural catheter is used with indirect indicators of placement including palpation of spine and 'loss-of-resistance' to fluid injection. Following epidural catheter placement, 1/8% bupivacaine is infused at 4ml/hr into the epidural catheter during and after surgery for pain control.