Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 99

Using a new device to improve lumbar epidural placement

Official title: Pilot Study for Human Clinical Trial to Evaluate the BRIGHTPOINT Reflectometer Device as Secondary Confirmation to Loss of Resistance in Lumbar Epidural Placement

Run by Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT06020508 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new device that helps doctors find the right spot for epidurals during back procedures to see if it works better than traditional methods and can help train new doctors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York
Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 12, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsJuly 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06020508 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients aged 18-99 who are undergoing a lumbar neuraxial procedure requiring an epidural needle.

Probably not a fit

Patients with previous lumbar spine surgery or known spinal abnormalities that could interfere with needle advancement may 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 clinical trial evaluates the BrightPoint Epidural device, which employs multispectral reflectometry to assist in locating the epidural space during lumbar neuraxial procedures. The study aims to determine if this device can serve as an effective secondary confirmation of the Loss of Resistance technique and if it can be utilized as a training tool for medical trainees. Participants will undergo a lumbar neuraxial procedure where the attending anesthesiologist will assess the device's effectiveness in confirming access to the epidural space. The trial seeks to address the need for advancements in epidural placement technology.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could enhance the accuracy and safety of lumbar epidural placements, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been various devices developed for epidural placement, the use of multispectral reflectometry in this context is novel and has not been widely tested in clinical settings.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient undergoing a lumbar neuraxial procedure requiring epidural needle
* Age 18-99

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous lumbar spine surgery
* Any known spinal abnormality that would interfere with successfully advancing a needle into the epidural space
* Any patient requiring epidural needle longer than 4 inches
* Any contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia
* Tattoo at the site of epidural insertion

Where it's running

  • Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Michael Singleton, MD — Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
  • Study coordinator: Pa Thor, PhD
  • Email: thorp@hss.edu
  • Phone: 646-797-8535

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.