New ultrasound tech aims to reduce needle sticks during labor epidurals
NCT ID NCT05909085
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether an automated ultrasound device helps doctors place labor epidurals with fewer needle sticks compared to a traditional ultrasound. Two hundred women receiving epidurals for labor pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two devices. The main goal is to see if the automated device reduces the number of times the needle is moved forward and backward under the skin.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ultrasound device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, automated ultrasound could make labor epidurals faster and less painful by reducing the number of needle sticks.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study focused on a technical outcome (needle passes) rather than patient pain relief. The automated device may not prove superior in real-world use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LABOR ANALGESIA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Seeing the needle: ultrasound may take the guesswork out of labor pain relief
- Weight matters: study seeks best labor pain relief for heavier moms
- Study aims to perfect epidural dose for faster labor pain relief
- Could unmet pain relief hopes raise postpartum depression risk?
- New epidural technique could make labor safer and more effective
- New study aims to reduce itching from labor pain relief