Spinal Ultrasound Versus Palpation for Epidural Catheter Insertion in Labour: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2015;32(7):499–505) Ultrasound guidance has gained increasing acceptance among anesthesiologists as a means to potentially improve the efficacy and safety of various procedures, including vascular access, peripheral nerve blockade, and neuraxial anesthesia. Although several studies have been published on the use of spinal ultrasound, a common limitation is that a single expert investigator or selected group of anesthesiologists performed the ultrasound scanning while an experienced or novice operator carried out the neuraxial technique.