Automated UltraSound Software for Identification of Lumbar Vertebral Levels
- Conditions
- Anesthesia
- Registration Number
- NCT02982317
- Lead Sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Brief Summary
A novel automated ultrasound software system has been developed which identifies for the practitioner the intervertebral spaces in the lumbar area. This study aims to investigate whether this new technology has a greater accuracy of identifying intervertebral spaces that manual palpation.
- Detailed Description
The use of ultrasound is one of the most accurate ways to identify the correct vertebral level for needle insertion in spinal/epidural anesthetics, however this is not commonly used. A novel automated ultrasound software system has been developed by the UBC Department of Engineering which identifies for the practitioner the intervertebral spaces in the lumbar area. This study aim to investigate whether this new technology has a greater accuracy of identifying intervertebral spaces that manual palpation.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 77
- ASA I or II
- ≥ 19 years old
- Term pregnancy (≥ 37 weeks gestation age)
- Scheduled for elective Cesarean section
- Ability to read English in order to understand the consent form
- Patient refusal to participate
- BMI ≥ 40
- Scoliosis
- Previous lower back surgery or known spinal abnormalities
- Inability to palpate bony landmarks in lumbar region
- Active labour (cervical dilatation >5cm)
- Allergy to epidural tape, surgical paper tape, or felt pen
Study & Design
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Accuracy of identifying L3/L4 of agreement between the two techniques against the freehand US (control) Within 1 hour of recuitment
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
BC Women's Hospital
🇨🇦Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
BC Women's Hospital🇨🇦Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada