Abstract :
Epidural anaesthesia can be used independently as single shot or continuous infusions using catheters threaded in the epidural space. one of the most dreaded complications is catheter breakage while insertion or removal. This case report describes the epidural catheter breakage in three patients over the period of one year. Epidural catheter breakage can be due to knotted, kinked, looped, type of material used. Further any fragmented piece left with in patient due to breakage, being from asymptomatic to severe neurological complications. Few manufacturer guidelines or methods that can be followed to prevent the epidural catheter breakages are also described in this case report.
Keyword :
Catheter breakage, Rigid, Manufacturer recommendation.