A Prospective Cohort Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy, and Usability of the EpiZact Device

The standard epidural kit used with the EpiZact device to place a midline epidural using the landmark technique between the L2 and L5 vertebral bodies. The patient's back will be sterilized with a 2% chlorhexidine/70% isopropyl alcohol applicator. The epidural will be placed with a 17-gauge 3.5-inch Tuohy needle. Once the Tuohy needle is appreciated to be engaged in ligament the EpiZact device will be filled with sterile and attached to the Tuohy via a Luer connector. The green button on the EpiZact device will then be pressed to prime the device. The EpiZact device and Tuohy needle will be advanced as a unit in continuous fashion or with intermittent advancement. Upon sensing a loss of resistance, the EpiZact device will provide a visual and tactile signal, halting needle advancement and signaling that the epidural catheter should be threaded through the Tuohy needle.