Loss of Resistance, w/wo Stimulation, For Epidural Placement

Thoracic epidural block with epidural placed with a loss of resistance technique alone.

In the electrical stimulation group, following the location of the epidural space with a loss of resistance technique (using air), nerve stimulation will be utilized to elicit a myotomal contraction of the abdominal or thoracic wall.stimulating peripheral nerve catheters(19 Ga. x 90 cm StimuCath® Continuous Nerve Block Catheter with SnapLock™ Adapter (Arrow by Teleflex Medical, Morrisville, NC), and stimulation will be achieved using a B Braun Stimuplex HNS12 Nerve Stimulator product id 4892098.

Dose of 3+2 ml of 1.5% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine