A retainded epidural catheter fragment

Authors

  • Teresa Garcia Serviço de Anestesiologia, Centro Hospitalar São João E.P.E
  • Sara Fonseca Serviço de Anestesiologia, Centro Hospitalar São João E.P.E

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.8846

Keywords:

Anesthesia, Epidural catheter, complications

Abstract

The retained of an epidural catheter fragment is a rare complication of regional anaesthesia, but fast recognition is needed for a proper conduct.

A 48-year-old male, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status II and moderate persistent asthma was scheduled for ankle arthroplasty due to aseptic necrosis of the talus.

Spinal block throw combined spinal epidural (needle-through-needle) technique was performed with kit BD DurasafeTM plus. Progression of the epidural catheter was difficult and the manoeuvres throw the needle lead to the breakage of the extremity (<< 5 mm).

A cervical-dorso-lombar magnetic resonance imaging was performed and revealed no catheter fragment, no cerebrospinal fluid fistula, no epidural haematoma or no other alterations. The retained fragment of the epidural catheter was managed with clinical surveillance with a conservative attitude.

The patient was followed during 36 months and no new neurologic symptoms or signs were reported.

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Published

2016-03-22

How to Cite

Garcia, T., & Fonseca, S. (2016). A retainded epidural catheter fragment. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Anesthesiology, 21(1), 20–22. https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.8846

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