International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 15, Issue 2 , Pages 159-162, April 2006

On knots in epidural catheters: a case report and a review of the literature

  • J.F. Brichant

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Jean François Brichant MD PhD, University Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, CHR de la Citadelle, B-4000 Liege, Belgium. Tel.: +32 4 225 6470.
    • ,
  • V. Bonhomme
    • ,
  • P. Hans

University Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Hôpital de la Citadelle, Liege University Hospital, Belgium

Accepted 1 July 2005.

Summary 

A lumbar epidural catheter placed for labor analgesia proved to be difficult to remove after an uneventful delivery. With the patient in the position of catheter insertion, i.e. seated, firm and steady traction allowed removal of the catheter and revealed a knot 4 mm from its tip. Passing excessive amount of catheter into the epidural space may have contributed to this complication. Guidelines to prevent and to minimize this complication are suggested.

Keywords: Anesthesia: Regional, Epidural, Catheter complication (knot)

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PII: S0959-289X(05)00136-6

doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2005.07.003

International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
Volume 15, Issue 2 , Pages 159-162, April 2006

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