Epidural Images
Welcome to the centre, where you can find many examples of failed or complicated epidural blocks, particularly affecting obstetric patients. A normal block is shown for comparison.
Click on the list to the left to access the images.
Technical details:
These epidurograms were created immediately following the injection of approximately 10 ml of contrast, usually Iohexol 320. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) radiographs were then taken and video recordings made.
The contrast may appear as black or white, to reproduce the best clarity.
For more information, contact:
Dr Clive Collier,
MD,MRCP,FRCA,FANZCA
Dr. Clive Collier is an obstetric anaethetist at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Sydney.
References:
1. Collier CB. Accidental subdural injection during attempted lumbar epidural block may present as a failed or inadequate block. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2004; 29:45-51
2. Collier CB. Why obstetric epidurals fail. Int J Obstet Anesth 1996; 5:19-31.
3. Collier CB. An atlas of epidurograms; epidural blocks investigated. Harwood Academic (Amsterdam) 1998. (Present publisher, Taylor & Francis UK)