About this trial
The purpose of the study is to learn more about a new device, the EpiZact Epidural Device, that may be helpful for reducing the likelihood of wet tap when a labor epidural is placed. When epidurals are placed correctly the needle stops just in front of the space in the body that contains cerebrospinal fluid. When the epidural is advanced a short distance further, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid can occur. This is known as a wet tap. A wet tap can result in a severe headache and at times other complications. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the use of the EpiZact device prevents wet taps in pregnant women receiving epidurals for relief of labor pain. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
1. What the rate of wet tap with the EpiZact device? 2. What is the rate of failed epidural placement with the EpiZact device?
All patients in the study will receive an epidural with the EpiZact device. The investigators will compare the results with patients not in the study that receive an epidural without the EpiZact device.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Pregnant women requesting labor epidural analgesia
Women pregnant with a single baby (not twins or triplets)
Disqualifiers
Women requesting not to have a labor epidural
Height less than 150 cm
A bleeding disorder, nerve problem, or skin infection that contraindicates receiving an epidural
A women receiving a combined spinal epidural (CSE) or a dural puncture epidural (DPE)
Trial design
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
EpiZact-assisted epidural placement
DeviceThe standard epidural kit used with the EpiZact device to place a midline epidural using the landmark technique between the L2 and L5 vertebral bodies. The patient's back will be sterilized with a 2% chlorhexidine/70% isopropyl alcohol applicator. The epidural will be placed with a 17-gauge 3.5-inch Tuohy needle. Once the Tuohy needle is appreciated to be engaged in ligament the EpiZact device will be filled with sterile and attached to the Tuohy via a Luer connector. The green button on the EpiZact device will then be pressed to prime the device. The EpiZact device and Tuohy needle will be advanced as a unit in continuous fashion or with intermittent advancement. Upon sensing a loss of resistance, the EpiZact device will provide a visual and tactile signal, halting needle advancement and signaling that the epidural catheter should be threaded through the Tuohy needle.
Treatment groups
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
Proportion of Participants with an Unintentional Dural Puncture
Unintentional dural puncture will be a composite outcome diagnosed by any of the following: (1) free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the Tuohy needle at any time during the epidural technique, (2) requirement of blood patch within one week of neuraxial procedure, or (3) postural headache that worsens with upright posture and improves with supine position diagnosed within one week of neuraxial placement.
Secondary outcomes
Proportion of Participants with Failed Labor Epidural Placement
Failed epidural placement will be defined as the inability to place a catheter in the epidural place or the need to replace the epidural within 2 hours of insertion. Decision to replace the epidural will be according to standard practice on labor and delivery at OHSU and will typically involve assessment of loss of cold to ice sensation in the lower thoracic and lumbar dermatomes, 50% decrease in labor contraction pain, and new lower extremity paresthesia.
Sponsors and contacts
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Oregon Health and Science University
Lead sponsor
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Sponsor institution
GuideStar Medical Devices
Collaborator
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: