The Use of Electrical Stimulation for Determination of Epidural Catheter Placement
Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Sep 20, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of June 26, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is looking at a new way to improve the placement of epidural catheters, which are often used to help manage pain during labor. Sometimes, epidurals don’t work as well as expected, and this study aims to find out if the movement of the catheter during insertion could be part of the problem. Researchers will use a method called electrical stimulation to check if the catheter is moving in the right direction as it's being placed.
To participate in this trial, you need to be a pregnant woman who is planning to have an epidural for pain relief during labor. You should also meet certain health criteria, like having a platelet count above 70,000 and an INR (a blood test measuring clotting) under 1.3. If you qualify and choose to join, you’ll be part of a study that explores a technique that could help make epidurals more effective for future patients. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but it’s an important step toward improving pain management during childbirth.
Gender
FEMALE
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Pregnant female requesting epidural for labor analgesia.
- • Must meet standard inclusion criteria for safe epidural placement.
- • Platelet count over 70,000, INR under 1.3.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Unable to safely place epidural catheter due to commonly accepted patient factors.
About Stanford University
Stanford University is a prestigious academic institution renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in healthcare and medicine. As a clinical trial sponsor, Stanford leverages its extensive resources, including a collaborative network of world-class researchers and state-of-the-art facilities, to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care. The university is committed to conducting rigorous, ethical research that adheres to the highest standards of scientific integrity, fostering an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can translate into effective clinical applications. Through its clinical trials, Stanford aims to address critical health challenges and contribute to the development of novel therapies and treatment strategies.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Stanford, California, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Steven Abboud, MD
Study Director
Clinical Instructor, Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported