The effect of the Lockit epidural catheter clamp on epidural migration: a controlled trial

Abstract

We investigated the efficacy of using the Lockit epidural catheter clamp in preventing epidural catheter migration in patients receiving postoperative analgesia via an epidural infusion after major surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a standard epidural dressing, a coiled catheter with transparent adhesive dressing and tape (n = 54), or the Lockit epidural catheter clamp (n = 48). There was no movement from the insertion position in 88% of the Lockit group compared with only 28% in the standard group (p < 0.001). Outward migration of > 2 cm occurred in 26% of the standard group compared with just 6% of the Lockit group (p < 0.01). Inward migration of > 1 cm occurred in 17% of the standard group but in none of the Lockit group (p < 0.01). Catheter migration was assessed as being the cause of analgesic failure in 15% of the standard group but in only 4% of the Lockit group (p < 0.05). We conclude that the Lockit epidural catheter clamp significantly reduces catheter migration in a safe and non-invasive fashion.