Fracture of epidural catheter: A case report and review of literature

• Main Authors: Reena, A Vikram
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia
• Subjects: Broken epidural catheter; fractured; retained; sheared
• Online Access: http://www.saudija.org/article.asp?issn=1658-354X;year=2017;volume=11;issue=1;spage=108;epage=110;aulast=Vikram

Epidural blocks are a very important part of the anesthetic armamentarium. Among some of the known complications, fracture of epidural catheter, though is extremely rare, is a well-established entity. When it happens, it leaves the anesthesiologist puzzled and worried. We describe the occurrence of such an event where epidural catheter broke during insertion since it will also add to such an under-reported complication of a very commonly performed procedure. A brief review is also done which will delineate the recommendations for the prevention and management of such an event.