Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:42 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 9:42 PM
NCT ID:
NCT01415232
Brief Summary:
The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between actual epidural needle depth (ND) and the use of ultrasound with an epidural depth equation (EQ-US) to estimate epidural depth (Est-D) in morbidly obese parturients. It is well documented that in women with a BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 successful epidural placement is more difficult. To the best of our knowledge the use of an epidural depth equation, which was developed in an earlier study using height and weight, with ultrasound visualization will improve identification of the epidural space.
Detailed Description:
The investigators plan to enroll women who are morbidly obese (BMI \> 40 kg/m2) and request epidural analgesia for labor. After written informed consent, 160 patients will have the use of the epidural depth equation with ultrasound (EQ-US) to estimate epidural depth (Est-D). US visualization of the epidural space will be completed by the principle investigator who has had extensive training in epidural US visualization. The EQ-US depth will be recorded. After US use, another provider who is listed as an investigator will place the epidural catheter without prior knowledge of the estimated epidural depth with the use of the equation and US. The actual needle depth to the epidural space (ND) will be recorded.
Data collected from the patient's medical record will include demographic data (age, height, weight) gravidity, parity, and cervical dilation. Measured variables will include the estimated epidural depth (Est-D) as measured by the epidural depth equation with the use of ultrasound (EQ-US), and actual epidural needle depth (ND). The investigators believe that the use of ultrasound with the epidural depth equation (EQ-US) to estimate epidural depth (Est-D) in morbidly obese parturients will have a high correlation with actual epidural needle depth (ND).
Study:
NCT01415232
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT01415232