Epidural analgesia is the administration of local anaesthetic (with or without an opiate) into the epidural space. The epidural space lies between the ligamentum flavum and the dura mater around
The epidural infusion line must be labelled distinctly. During subsequent infusion bag changes in order to prevent administration of the epidural mixture by the wrong delivery system, it is best practice to check the entire delivery system i.e. the empty infusion bag and administration giving set is contacted to the epidural line. 2.3.3.
Anaesthesia and Pain Management : Epidural Infusion
Epidural infusion is a specialised analgesia technique and is managed by CPMS. ONLY CPMS and Anaesthesia staff may prescribe epidural infusions. The epidural infusion is prescribed according to the guidelines on the Regional anaesthetic infusion presription.
Epidural: What It Is, Procedure, Risks & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic
Epidurals are a common procedure to provide pain relief or a lack of feeling for labor and childbirth, certain surgeries and certain causes of chronic pain. An epidural is generally a very safe procedure, but there are some risks and possible side effects.
Regional anaesthetic block/infusion is used for the management of moderate to severe pain. The catheter is placed next to the vertebral column in the paravertebral space, which exists between T1 and T12. The catheter may be placed percutaneously or under direct vision during surgery.
The goal of regional axial blockade (epidural analgesia) in moderate to severe pain is to diminish the development of an efficient pain pathway, by blocking conduction along pain nerve fibers. Epidural infusions however, requires constant assessment and at times intervention in order to provide this level of pain control.
Effective management of labour pain using a pre-set dose plus a self-administered bolus of local anaesthetic and opiate solution into the epidural space. Woman requiring ongoing labour analgesia once analgesia already established with an epidural or combined spinal epidural.
Obstetric Epidural Analgesia Management Guidelines (For detailed information regarding epidural prescribing and management refer to local hospital policy) APPROPRIATE CLINICAL CARE FOR A WOMAN WITH RED ZONE OBSERVATIONS:
The Anaesthetist inserting the epidural catheter should take the following points into consideration: Indication - this would usually include major lower limb, pelvic, abdominal, major vascular or thoracic surgery, especially in patients with pre-operative respiratory insufficiency.
McKinley BodyGuard Pump and yellow Microset Bodyguard giving set must be used for epidural infusions. The pump is kept in a locked box which attaches to a drip pole. The key must be held by the nurse in charge.