Obstetric Anesthesia Core Knowledge Modules-Epidural Placement

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript explains how to set up and place an epidural anesthesia tray. It covers checking the tray type, needle gauge, and expiration dates, then organizing supplies on a clean side table or anesthesia cart while maintaining sterility. Extra items like benzoin, Steri-Strips, Tegaderm, saline, and local anesthetic may be added. After hand hygiene and gloving, the provider identifies the epidural space by palpating the iliac crest and prepares the back with chlorhexidine, allowing it to dry fully. A sterile drape is placed, local anesthetic is injected, and the Tuohy needle is advanced using loss-of-resistance technique until the epidural space is found. The catheter is threaded to the proper depth, secured with an alligator clip, then tested with aspiration and a lidocaine-epinephrine test dose to rule out intrathecal or intravascular placement. The catheter is then secured with benzoin, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm.

Keywords

epidural anesthesia

Tuohy needle

loss of resistance technique

sterile tray setup

catheter placement

test dose