[The RACZ-epidural catheter. First clinical experiences].

We tested a new epidural catheter, which is made of a stainless steel spiral (similar to an anode endotracheal tube) covered with a fluorpolymer. This catheter was tested in 15 patients who were administered lumbar epidural anaesthesia for pain relief during labor. We also have information on the evaluation of this catheter in about 100 patients from the obstetric anesthesia service, Stanford-University Medical Center. The main advantage of this catheter is, that it does not kink. The disadvantages are: 1. catheter leakage either at the skin interface or just below the injection port particular after prolonged usage, 2. difficult or impossible injection if the catheter injection port is screwed on too tight which requires cutting the catheter (not recommended by the manufacturer), 3. a 17 gauge rather than a 18 gauge epidural needle is recommended and 4. the high price of the catheter.