A comparison of two types of epidural catheters

The purpose of this study was to compare two epidural catheters--the Portex epidural catheter and Vas-Cath catheter. One hundred and fifty patients in labour who received epidural anaesthesia were selected and either one or the other catheter was used, based on random assignment. Ease of insertion, maintenance and removal of the catheter were assessed, as was the incidence of blood return and paraesthesiae during epidural catheter insertion. There were no significant differences between the catheters as far as insertion, maintenance and removal were concerned. However, the incidence of paresthesiae was 44 per cent with the Portex and 24 per cent with Vas-Cath catheters (p less than 0.008). The incidence of blood vessel trauma was 12 per cent with the Portex and 6.7 per cent with the Vas-Cath catheter (p = NS). Choice of epidural catheter is a factor to be considered in minimizing the incidence of blood vessel trauma or paresthesiae.