Effect of Prior Formal Education on Successful Thoracic Epidural Placement By Anesthesia Residents.

Objective: Catheter placement for thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is technically challenging; however, methods for teaching this technique to anesthesia residents have not been well-studied. The present study aimed to determine optimal teaching methods for proficient TEA catheter placement by comparing video-based formal resident education with traditional bedside training by attending physicians.

Design: Prospective, randomized study.