Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * The patient is eligible for placement of neuraxial anesthesia, and the patient has agreed to the procedure. * Patient skin is intact in the area of placement of the epidural or spinal anesthesia. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to epidural catheter placement including bleeding diathesis (essential thrombocythemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, von Willebrand disease, and hemophilia A or B), neurological dysfunction (multiple sclerosis, subacute myeloopticoneuropathy or preexisting lower limb neurological deficit), prior extensive spinal surgery or major spinal deformity, pre-operative use of anti-coagulant with planned use of therapeutic dose of anti-coagulant in post-operatively, documented pre-operative coagulopathy (INR greater than 1.3 not on Coumadin or PTT greater than 42), platelets less than 70,000/μL, or evidence of infection at potential epidural site. * Presence of orthopedic implants in the spine. * Skin dyscrasias or allergies to the ultrasound procedure. * Unable to assume sitting position. * Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 20 kg/m2. * Known allergies to ultrasound gel. * Known history of allergic reactions to adhesives used in standard epidural placement