Epidural Procedure
[caption id="attachment_4239" align="aligncenter" width="400"] A bolus of intravenous fluids 1/2 to 1 liter, is administered to increase blood volume to reduce the likelihood of a severe drop in blood pressure. This usually takes anywhere from 20-40 minutes[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3070" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The epidural is a sterile procedure.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3071" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Anesthetic is prepared for numbing the skin[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3073" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Medication is drawn up for test dose[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3074" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Antiseptic wash is applied to cleanse the area.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3075" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Drape is placed to create sterile field.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3076" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist locates the desired vertebral space in the low back.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3078" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Anesthetic is injected to numb the skin.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3080" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Epidural Needle is injected slowly and carefully.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3081" align="aligncenter"...