Catheter Lateralization by Electrical Stimulation during Epidural Anesthesia

August 22, 2011

Institutional Review Board, Hospital for Special Surgery

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Principal Investigator

Nigel E. Sharrock, MD

Co-Investigators

George Go, BS

Summary

Twenty patients will be enrolled to study whether an epidural catheter can be inserted into the epidural space on the side of surgery. A stimulating catheter will help in verifying the location or laterality of an epidural catheter. The duration of the study will be during catheter placement when anesthesia is being given before surgery.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients ages from 18-90 years old having surgery under epidural anesthesia who have not had prior lumbar spine surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient’s age is less than 18 or greater than 90.
Patients who have had prior lumbar spine surgery.
Patients in whom an epidural catheter placement is contraindicated:
Anticoagulant therapy
Bleeding disorders, e.g., hemophilia
History of prior epidural infection

Contact Information

George Go, BS
212.606.1786
gog@hss.edu