Investigating a Needle-Based Epidural Procedure in Obstetric Anesthesia

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of a large-dose, needle-based epidural technique in obstetric anesthesia. The technique differs from a standard, catheter-based approach in that the anesthetic dose is administered through an epidural needle prior to insertion of the epidural catheter. Using a data-driven informatics and machine learning approach, our findings show that the needle-based technique is faster and more dose-effective in achieving sensory level. We also find that injecting large doses in the epidural space through the epidural needle is safe, with complication rates similar to those reported in published literature for catheter-based technique. Further, machine learning reveals that if the needle dose is kept under 18 ml, the resulting hypotension rate will be significantly lower than published results. The machine learning framework can predict the incidence of hypotension with 85% accuracy. The findings from this investigation facilitate delivery improvement and establish an improved clinical practice guideline for training and for dissemination of safe practice.