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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

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

Conditions
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Obstetric Pain, Anesthesia, Local

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test (EST)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Patients with deactivated epidural/CSE catheters will be given electrical epidural stimulation test to detect its ability to be reactivated.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test (EST)<br>Postpartum women are given EST to predict epidural catheter reactivation for their subsequent procedures (i.e. tubal ligation). | Diagnostic Test: Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test (EST)<br>* EST measures sensory/motor responses<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test | Investigate the ability of the electrical epidural stimulation test (EST) to predict epidural catheter reactivation. | Duration of EST test (approximately 1-2 hours) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Electrical Epidural Stimulation Test