Catheters, Spinal, Epidural
Definition : Spinal catheters used in the space (epidural space) outside the outermost membrane (dura mater) covering the spinal cord; the epidural space separates the spinal dura mater from the enclosing vertebrae. These catheters are introduced using special needles, and their distal tip is advanced into the epidural space to the desired spinal segment (e.g., lumbar). Epidural spinal catheters may be tunneled, using either an external injection hub or a subcutaneous port for bolus administration or infusion via an external pump; these systems are used for temporary procedures (e.g., surgery, delivery) or in patients whose life expectancy is very short. Otherwise, the epidural catheters are attached to a subcutaneous implanted infusion pump for continuous infusion in relatively long-term procedures, such as steroid treatment of inflammatory irritation of the nerve roots or opioid (e.g., morphine) administration to cancer patients with long life expectancy.
Entry Terms : "Epidural Catheters" , "Catheters, Peridural" , "Catheters, Epidural" , "Catheters, Extradural"
UMDC code : 10717