Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test for Detecting Epidural Catheter Reactivation in Obstetric Population

Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test for Detecting Epidural Catheter Reactivation in Obstetric Population

Following labor, epidural or combined spinal-epidural (CSE) catheters are kept in place and deactivated. However, many women opt for procedures such as tubal ligation, which may require epidural anesthesia as a method of pain relief. Our study aims to confirm the ability to predict reactivation of epidural catheter in postpartum females through the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) which was first described by the PI of this study approximately 20 years ago.

In this study, investigators hope to investigate the ability of the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) to predict reactivation of epidural catheter in postpartum females. The standard practice for confirming the reactivation of epidural or CSE catheters requires methods such as dosing the local anesthetic. With the EST test this will allow for the anesthesiologist to determine whether or not the epidural can be activated immediately.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females, 18 years and older
• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II
• Status post natural labor/birth process or C-section
• Has epidural or CSE catheter
• Upcoming procedure requiring epidural/CSE anesthesia for pain management

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to regional anesthesia
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to lidocaine, bupivacaine, or fentanyl
• Use of sedatives or opioids
• Abnormal vertebrae anatomy
• Neurological disorder with lumbar involvement
• Implanted electronic devices
• Did not receive epidural or CSE anesthesia