Ultrasound in obstetric practice

Abstract

The use of ultrasound to aid location of the spinal and epidural space is not a new concept but has gained increasing popularity, particularly in woman who are obese, have abnormal spinal anatomy, or where regional placement has or is proving difficult. The benefits and challenges of spinal ultrasound imaging are discussed, with the methods to scan and obtain the right views or planes with the supporting images for spinal and epidural techniques. The use of ultrasound to perform a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is also illustrated. The chapter concludes with a section on the additional applications of ultrasound for vascular access and gastric volume estimation.