Securing epidural catheters.

Conventional dressings do not always prevent epidural catheter movement into or out of the epidural space. Lack of transparency also prevents observation of the catheter and the puncture site. The "Op-site" surgical dressing is an adherent membrane which has prevented epidural catheter migration in 200 obstetrical patients. The transparent dressing was left uncovered in 100 of these patients so that the catheter could be readily seen and the presence of blood within the catheter could be detected at any time.