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Shearing of a peripheral nerve catheter
Bernard H S Lee1, C Roger Goucke
1Departments of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|August 29, 2002
Summary
A complication during peripheral nerve catheter placement occurred when the catheter sheared during stylet removal. The lost fragment was successfully located using computed tomography scanning.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Devices
- Radiology
Background:
- Peripheral nerve catheterization is a common procedure for regional anesthesia and analgesia.
- Proper technique is crucial to avoid complications.
Observation:
- A case of peripheral nerve catheter breakage is described.
- The catheter was inadvertently sheared during the removal of its stylet while the placement needle remained in situ.
Findings:
- The distal fragment of the catheter became separated and lost within the tissue.
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning was utilized to identify the location of the lost fragment.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously undocumented complication of peripheral nerve catheter placement.
- Awareness of this potential issue and prompt imaging are important for patient safety and management.