APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES TO EPIDURAL SPACE IDENTIFICATION

Abstract

Anesthesiologists must understand the pros and drawbacks of emerging technology in order to decide which methods to use. Furthermore, knowledge of these more current technologies is required to guide future research studies in this area. The goal of this review is to outline the emerging technologies for recognizing EDS and their potential future usefulness. We searched electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE until the beginning of 2021. The following MeSH terms were utilized in search strategies: "epidural space identification," "epidural anesthesia," "method," and "evaluation." An ideal method for detecting EDS should be simple to discover and implement, fast replicable with a high level of sensitivity and uniqueness, and easily detect unintentional intrathecal and intravascular catheter placements. Prior to implementing any new technology, it is also critical to assess the availability of sources, clinical feasibility, and cost-benefit benefit. Though none of the novel strategies have yet to replace traditional LOR, some have found value in specific contexts and hence may be complementary to LOR. When a patient with challenging anatomy is encountered, ultrasound is increasingly being used as a rescue strategy.