Effect of wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheters on success rate of epidural catheterization in patients undergoing caesarean section

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheters on the success rate of epidural catheterization in the patients undergoing caesarean section. Methods A total of 182 pregnant patients, aged 25-43 yr, with body height of 145-178 cm, weighing 51-100 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰor Ⅱ, scheduled for elective caesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups using a random number table: polyvinyl chloride epidural catheter group(group Ⅰ, n=94)and wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheter group(group Ⅱ, n=88). Spinal or epidural puncture was performed at L2, 3 or L3, 4 interspace, and the corresponding epidural catheter was inserted in each group after successful puncture.The development of difficult insertion, intravascular catheter insertion or paresthesia during puncture or insertion was defined as a failure of epidural catheterization.The occurrence of failed epidural catheterization was recorded. Results The failure rate of epidural catheterization was significantly lower in group Ⅱ than in group Ⅰ(P<0.05). Conclusion Wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheters can raise the success rate of epidural catheterization in the patients undergoing caesarean section. Key words: Catheterization; Epidural Space; Cesarean section