Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing different methods for securing thoracic epidural catheters

Official title: The Effects of Fixation Technique On Thoracic Epidural Catheter Displacement: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University of Utah · NCT03976154 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using Dermabond to secure thoracic epidural catheters works better than two other methods to keep them in place for surgical patients.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Utah
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2019
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2025
Registry record updatedMarch 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT03976154 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are surgical patients aged 18 and older who are scheduled to receive a thoracic epidural.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have allergies to adhesives, are pregnant, or have contraindications to receiving an epidural will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Dermabond as a fixation technique for thoracic epidural catheters, comparing it to two commonly used methods: Mastisol and the Grip-Lok fixation bandage. The goal is to determine which technique minimizes catheter displacement, thereby improving patient outcomes. Participants will include surgical patients aged 18 and older who are receiving a thoracic epidural. The study will exclude individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies that could affect their participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved fixation techniques for thoracic epidural catheters, enhancing patient safety and comfort.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is not widely tested, similar studies on catheter fixation techniques have shown varying degrees of success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* surgical patient
* receiving a thoracic epidural
* 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* allergy to adhesives or local anesthesia
* pregnancy
* contraindication to receiving an epidural including coagulopathy, infection, elevated ICP, or severe pre-existing neurologic disorders

Where it's running

  • University of Utah Health Sciences Center
    Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.