Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire
Published on: December 23, 2014
Ultrasound assessment of caudal catheter position in infants
Stephen A Roberts1, Ignacio Galvez
1Jackson-Rees Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Insights
Ultrasound can effectively assess caudal epidural catheter placement in young children. This method offers a faster, more reliable alternative to traditional techniques for ensuring proper positioning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pain Management
Background:
- Accurate placement of caudal epidural catheters is vital for effective pain relief in pediatric patients.
- Assessing the precise level of catheter insertion can be challenging and time-consuming using conventional methods.
Observation:
- Ultrasound guidance was utilized to visualize and confirm the position of caudally inserted epidural catheters in three pediatric patients.
- The patients' ages ranged from 1 to 10 months, highlighting the applicability in infants.
Findings:
- Ultrasound imaging provides real-time visualization of epidural catheter placement, aiding in accurate positioning.
- The study discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using ultrasound compared to other assessment techniques.
Implications:
- Ultrasound may offer a more efficient and accurate method for verifying caudal epidural catheter placement in pediatric procedures.
- This technique has the potential to improve patient safety and procedural outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract:
The positioning of caudally inserted epidural catheters is crucial to their effectiveness. However, level assessment can be difficult and time consuming. We report the use of ultrasound to assess the catheter position in three patients aged between 1 and 10 months. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed in relation to other methods of assessing caudal catheter placement.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for: