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

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 rando mly allocated to receive either a standard epidural dressing, a coiled cath eter with transparent adhesive dressing and tape (n = 54), or the Lockit ep idural catheter clamp (n = 48). There was no movement from the insertion po sition in 88% of the Lockit group compared with only 28% in the standard gr oup (p < 0.001). Outward migration of > 2 cm occurred in 26% of the standar d group compared with just 6% of the Lockit group (p < 0.01). Inward migrat ion of > 1 cm occurred in 17% of the standard group but in none of the Lock it 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 <less than> 0.05). We conclude that the Lockit epidural catheter clamp significantly reduces catheter migration in a safe and non-invasive f ashion.