Handheld Ultrasound-assisted Versus Palpation-guided Labor Combined Spinal-epidural Analgesia
South Korea84 participantsStarted 2021-03-05
Plain-language summary
Parturients who need combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labour analgesia are randomly assigned to two groups. For the handheld ultrasound-assisted technique group, ultrasound with 3D navigation function is used to determine the needle insertion point and the insertion angle. For the conventional palpation-guided technique group, the interspinous space is detected by palpation. Procedure time, the number of needle passes, the number of needle insertion attempts, success rate, and complications are compared.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
\- Adult parturients with ASA physical status classification I, II or III requiring a combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia (local anesthetics hypersensitivity, coagulopathy, needle insertion site infection, etc.)
* Difficulty in communication
* Severe cardiac disease
* History of spine surgery
* Anatomical abnormality of the lumbar spine
* Age under 18
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Total duration of combined spinal-epidural procedure