New Syringe Detects Loss of Resistance

A new syringe automatically detects loss of resistance (LOR) during epidural anesthesia, the administering of medications directly into the epidural space.

The Episure AutoDetect syringe is a spring-loaded, automatic LOR syringe used in epidural anesthesia. The syringe utilizes a specially engineered internal compression spring that applies precise and constant force on the plunger that automatically depresses when the epidural needle enters the epidural space, eliminating the subjective feel required by the anesthetist with standard LOR syringes. In addition to providing a visual confirmation, the Episure allows the practitioner to continuously advance the epidural needle with both hands, resulting in superior control and sensitivity.

"The Episure allows performing the constant pressure technique while maintaining excellent control of the epidural needle. I believe that you could demonstrate that one could perform the procedure quicker and you might have a lower incidence of inadvertent dural punctures, and it is a safer technique,” said Ashraf Habib, M.D., an assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC, USA). "I believe that practitioners with different levels of experience can benefit from using the Episure syringes.”

The Episure AutoDetect syringe is a product of Indigo Orb (Irvine, CA, USA), and has been approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Community (EC mark).

Traditionally, epidural anesthesia is performed using a standard LOR syringe that requires the practitioner to rely on thumb pressure to feel for change in resistance while advancing the needle into the epidural space. However, inadvertent dural punctures with this technique could cause severe headaches and call for bed rest, if the epidural needle is incorrectly placed.


Related Links:
Indigo Orb
Duke University Medical Center