Table 3 Characteristics and outcomes of mid-thoracic epidural placement

Characteristics

 Estimated skin-to-lamina depth ^a, cm

3.0 [2.5–3.2], (range: 2.0–4.5)

 Actual skin-to-lamina depth, cm

3.0 [2.5–3.5], (range: 2.0–4.5)

 Skin-to-LOR depth, cm

5.0 [4.5–5.5], (range: 3.5–6.5)

 Needle insertion angles, °

  Upward angulation ^{b, c}

61 ± 8, (range: 38–78)

  Inward angulation ^{b, d}

10 [8–13], (range: 0–18)

Outcomes

 First-pass success rate ^e

96 (75%)

 First-attempt success rate ^f

122 (95%)

 Overall success rate

126 (98%)

 Needling time, seconds ^{b, g}

59 [47–122], (range: 28–533)

 Number of needle passes ^b

1 [1–1], (range: 1–6)

 Number of attempts ^b

1 [1–1], (range: 1–2)

 Patient satisfaction

  1 (very unsatisfied)

0

  2

4 (3%)

  3 (neutral)

6 (5%)

  4

26 (20%)

  5 (very satisfied)

92 (72%)