• T Grau, R W Leipold, J Horter, E Martin, and J Motsch.
• University of Heidelberg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. thomas_grau@med.uni-heidelberg.de
• Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2001 Nov 1; 18 (11): 706-12.

Background And ObjectiveIn recent studies, ultrasonic diagnostic imaging has proved useful in the screening of the trajectory of the epidural needle. With regard to possible side-effects of spinal and epidural anaesthesia caused by vessel injury, we aimed to evaluate the usability of Colour Doppler imaging for the depiction of interspinous vessels in prepuncture examination.MethodsUltrasonic examination of the L3/4 interspace area was performed in 20 volunteers. Using a 4-MHz and a 7-MHz probe with B-mode and Colour Doppler imaging, respectively, we compared four settings for the quality of vessel depiction in the puncture area. Overall resolution was evaluated according to the distinction of landmarks. Vascular structures were identified by pulsation (B-mode) or blood flow (Doppler).ResultsColour Doppler imaging of the L3/4 interspace was unachievable using the 7-MHz transducer. Vessel detection was possible in 50% of the B-mode images and in all of the 4-MHz Doppler images. Vessels were perceptible from a diameter of 0.5 mm. Veins were the predominantly visible structures. Overall vessel visibility was best using 4-MHz Colour Doppler.ConclusionsPrepuncture Doppler imaging can provide the epiduralist with information regarding the position of vessels in the needle trajectory. This might help to reduce complications in regional anaesthesia.

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