The Episure Autodetect syringe, a loss-of-resistance technique for locating the epidural space, used in pediatric patients

Abstract

Introduction: The Episure Autodetect syringe, a spring-loaded syringe, is a loss-of-resistance syringe with an internal compression that applies constant pressure on the plunger. As the principle of loss-of-resistance is the same for adult and for pediatric patients, the Episure Autodetect syringe should be able to identify correctly the epidural space also in pediatric patients.

Methods: A retrospective review was carried out for all pediatric patients, in which the Episure Autodetect syringe was used for locating the epidural space between 2007 and 2011 in our department.

Results: In 17 pediatric patients (9 months-14 years, 7.5-43 kg weight), the Episure syringe was used. In all 17 patients, the epidural space was correctly identified using the spring-loaded syringe as evidenced by satisfactory analgesia. No accidental dural punctures or false loss-of-resistances were observed.

Conclusion: The spring-loaded Episure Autodetect syringe might be a potentially useful loss-of-resistance syringe for identification of the epidural space in pediatric patients.

Keywords: epidural anesthesia; pediatric; postoperative analgesia; postoperative pain.