A Study to compare the Epifaith syringe versus the conventional LOR syringe for the identification of the epidural space

The EpiFaith syringe is a recently developed, spring-loaded, loss of resistance (LOR) syringe that can apply different degrees of constant syringe pressure while the operator is advancing the epidural needle, which releases when the epidural space is reached. It provides objective and quantitative pressure information as well as a visual signal, which is triggered when the needle tip enters the epidural space.The study hypothesizes that the EpiFaith syringe can detect the LOR of the epidural space effectively with its achievable pressure.

•This is a single blind, randomized observational study. Subjects who will receive a surgery requiring epidural anesthesia or analgesia and meet all of the study criteria will be enrolled in the study after giving informed consent. After screening, eligible subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Group 1: detection by EpiFaith syringe; Group 2: detection by LOR syringe. The following variables will be recorded and rated during the process of epidural space localization: Success of epidural localization, time to identify the epidural space, duration of the epidural space localization procedure, number of attempts, number of the occurrence of false positive, the distance from the skin to the epidural space, and number of change insertion segment. Adverse events and concomitant treatments will also be recorded.