Question 1

1. What needles can be used with the EpiFaith Syringe?

Accepted Answer

EpiFaith Syringe is compatible with epidural needles and is available in two variants: Luer Slip, Luer Lock or NRFit connector.

Question 2

2. May I use EpiFaith Syringe with air or saline for epidural locating?

Accepted Answer

EpiFaith Syringe is compatible with both air and saline. For air, cover the color ring; for saline, ensure it is covered and consider further plunger advancement. Flat Medical does recommend saline to combat false positives more adequately.

Question 3

3. What is the most important thing to remember when using EpiFaith?

Accepted Answer

Ensure positive pressure within the barrel by pushing the plunger until the color ring is covered—essential for all loss-of-resistance (LOR) techniques.

Question 4

4. How deep should I push the plunger? What is the influence of the sensing pressure?

Accepted Answer

Adjust the plunger pressure based on technique and patient characteristics, considering factors like BMI, difficulty of locating traditional landmarks and the substance used (air or saline). Saline does combat false positives more adequately.

Question 5

5. Should I keep pushing the plunger while advancing the needle?

Accepted Answer

The fixator maintains plunger position; no need to continuously push. This allows you to use both hands freely.

Question 6

6. Is training required before using the EpiFaith Syringe?

Accepted Answer

Although the operation is intuitive, training is recommended for new users to better understand the new technique and reduce false-positive rates.

Question 7

7. May I use an EpiFaith Syringe if I am a healthcare provider with limited experience with the LOR technique?

Accepted Answer

EpiFaith Syringe's clear visual signal makes it suitable for healthcare providers with limited experience in the LOR technique, reducing the risk of accidental puncture.
Visual Indication vs. Manual Feedback:
EpiFaith Syringe is designed for visual indication; the clear visual signal replaces the manual feedback sensation.

Question 8

8. What options do I have if the catheter cannot be inserted but I believe the needle tip has arrived at the epidural space?

Accepted Answer

Challenges with Catheter Insertion:
If catheter insertion is challenging, attach the syringe to the touhy once again, push the plunger again to confirm pressure, and carefully advance the needle, observing the EpiFaith’s Smart Signal’s movement. Once the Smart Signal is achieved, stop advancement and reinsert catheter.

Question 9

9. Will false positives happen during the use of EpiFaith Syringe? What should I do to handle false-positive events?

Accepted Answer

Handling False-Positive Events:
Yes, false-positives may occur; to combat a false-positive push the plunger again after a signal. If the EpiFaith holds pressure continue forward. If the EpiFaith does not hold pressure you can verify needle placement with catheter placement or push the plunger once again. If it completely empties, you are in the epidural space.

Question 10

10. What should I do if I encounter resistance while pushing the  plunger?

Accepted Answer

Avoid Continuous Pushing:
The fixator maintains the plunger position; no need to continuously push. This allows you to use both hands freely.
Also:
Resolving Resistance Issues:
If you encounter resistance, pause and assess the situation.
Ensure the needle is properly positioned.
Consider adjusting the plunger pressure.
For persistent issues, consult the training materials or contact our support team.

Question 11

11. Is there a risk of accidental dural puncture with EpiFaith Syringe?

Accepted Answer

Mitigating Dural Puncture Risks:
EpiFaith Syringe is engineered to minimize the risk of accidental dural puncture.
In unexpected events, it is advised to stop needle advancement and reassess.

Question 12

12. How can I troubleshoot if I don't get a clear visual signal?

Accepted Answer

Troubleshooting Visual Signal:
If the visual signal is unclear, check the plunger position.
Ensure proper pressure and confirm needle placement.
For persistent issues, refer to the training materials or contact our support team.

See EpiFaith Smart Syringe in action.

EpiFaith® Smart Syringe

Confident epidural placement every time, in any spine.

PDPHs add discomfort and complexity to an already challenging time for new moms, greatly impacting patient satisfaction and post-natal quality of life. Visual confirmation with EpiFaith Smart Syringe adds a new level of certainty and post-placement peace of mind.

Epidurals exist to ease pain, not cause it.

Medical innovation is happening all around you, yet epidurals remain stuck in the past. We innovated around common challenges to simplify and elevate the entire process, streamlining placement for a better experience across L &D and pain environments.

Leading by feel leaves room for error. Despite experience and proficiency, traditional syringes that rely solely on feel can still result in wet taps.

Avoidable readmissions. Wet taps require treatment with a blood patch, resulting in a readmission, which adds cost and burden.

Patients pay the price. For most patients, PDPHs are a completely unexpected complication. They're also excruciating and can last for weeks.

The EpiFaith Visual Indicator

The EpiFaith Smart Syringe features an auto-aspirating visual indicator that objectively signals entry into the epidural space. Avoid guesswork with standardized placement across operators with proven safety and reliability.

EpiFaith Smart Syringe

When the yellow ring pops up fully, you are in the epidural space.

Compatibility

Luer Slip

Luer Lock

EpiFaith Smart Syringe: NRFit Connector

When the gray ring pops up fully, you are in the epidural space.

Compatibility

Two-handed needle advancement with real-time pressure sensing and visualization for additional control.

EpiFaith placement uses effortless push/pull control for easy pressure monitoring with both hands, reducing the risk of needle advancement past the epidural space. It’s straightforward for all skill levels.

The EpiFaith Smart Syringe procedure at a glance

See just how straightforward epidurals can be with our step-by-step video.

Testimonials

Dr. Michaela Farber Chief, Obstetric Anesthesiology

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Mass General Hospital Harvard Medical School

FAQs

1. What needles can be used with the EpiFaith Syringe?

2. May I use EpiFaith Syringe with air or saline for epidural locating?

3. What is the most important thing to remember when using EpiFaith?

4. How deep should I push the plunger? What is the influence of the sensing pressure?

5. Should I keep pushing the plunger while advancing the needle?

6. Is training required before using the EpiFaith Syringe?

7. May I use an EpiFaith Syringe if I am a healthcare provider with limited experience with the LOR technique?

8. What options do I have if the catheter cannot be inserted but I believe the needle tip has arrived at the epidural space?

9. Will false positives happen during the use of EpiFaith Syringe? What should I do to handle false-positive events?

10. What should I do if I encounter resistance while pushing the plunger?

11. Is there a risk of accidental dural puncture with EpiFaith Syringe?

12. How can I troubleshoot if I don't get a clear visual signal?

EpiFaith Smart Syringe resources

Demo EpiFaith Smart Syringe.

Contact us to schedule a demo to see how simple it is.

Epidurals exist to
ease pain, not cause it.

Leading by feel leaves room for error.
Despite experience and proficiency,
traditional syringes that rely solely on feel can still result in wet taps.

Avoidable readmissions.
Wet taps require treatment with a blood patch, resulting in a readmission, which adds cost and burden.

Patients pay the price.
For most patients, PDPHs are a completely unexpected complication. They're also excruciating and can last for weeks.

The EpiFaith Smart Syringe features an auto-aspirating visual indicator that
objectively signals entry into the epidural space. Avoid guesswork
with standardized placement across operators with proven safety and reliability.

Dr. Michaela Farber
Chief, Obstetric Anesthesiology

Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Mass General Hospital
Harvard Medical School