Optimizing the securement of epidural catheters: an in vitro trial

INTRODUCTION: Epidural anesthesia is frequently used to provide postoperative analgesia following major surgical procedures. Secure fixation of the epidural catheter is necessary to prevent premature dislodgment and loss of epidural analgesia. Using an in vitro model, the current prospective study evaluates different types of dressings for securement of an epidural catheter by quantifying the force in Newtons (N) required for dislodgment using a digital force gage. METHODS: Four methods of epidural catheter securement were used on a simulator mannequin: 1) Suresite(®) Window Clear Dressing, 2) Op-Site Post-Op(®) Visible Dressing, 3) Steri-Strips(®) and Suresite Window Clear Dressing, and 4) Steri-Strips and Op-Site Post-Op Visible Dressing. Each method of securement was assessed 10 times to calculate the mean force required to dislodge the catheter. Mean force of dislodgment for each method was compared using parametric tests. RESULTS: The force (mean ± SD) required for catheter dislodgment for the four methods was 14.0±2.9, 2, 10.7±1.5, 8.6±2.3, and 9.6±2.2 N, respectively. The pairwise difference showed that the Suresite Window Clear Dressing was the best securement method when compared with other methods. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the advantage of the Suresite Window Clear Dressing in securing the epidural catheter. Future clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.