The placement of a lumbar #epidural #catheter is performed to facilitate the induction of #anesthesia and analgesia. This video presents the relevant anatomy and placement technique of an epidural catheter.

Placement of a catheter in the lumbar epidural space allows one to administer analgesic and local anesthetic agents to a series of dorsal and ventral nerve roots that exit the spinal cord and traverse the epidural space, thereby providing anesthesia or analgesia to specific nerve root distributions.

Sterile technique is very important for this procedure. Don a mask, head covering, and sterile gloves. Adhere to the policy of your institution regarding the use of a full sterile gown. The patient and anyone else in the room should also wear a head covering and mask. Open the sterile epidural kit and organize the contents so that you can readily find and use the equipment as needed. Use the filter needle to draw up the medications.
Apply the antiseptic skin cleanser in a back-and-forth motion for approximately 30 seconds. Allow the solution to air-dry for at least 30 seconds. Place the sterile drape over the patient’s back so that the opening provides access to the planned site of catheter placement. The epidural catheter should be placed at a level that will provide anesthesia or analgesia for the particular procedure or for control of labor pain.

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