Caesarean section in a parturient with a spinal cord stimulator

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• A 35-year-old pregnant patient required an urgent Cesarean delivery.
• The patient had an implanted spinal cord stimulator for pain management.
• Pregnancy complicates anesthesia management, especially with implanted devices.

Observation:

• Spinal anesthesia was administered below the spinal cord stimulator leads.
• The anesthesia was performed at the L4-5 vertebral level.
• The procedure was for an urgent Cesarean section at 32 weeks gestation.

Findings:

• Successful spinal anesthesia was achieved despite the presence of the spinal cord stimulator.
• A healthy infant was delivered via Cesarean section.
• The spinal cord stimulator's presence did not contraindicate spinal anesthesia.

Implications:

• This case highlights the feasibility of spinal anesthesia in pregnant patients with spinal cord stimulators.
• It provides guidance for anesthesiologists managing similar complex obstetric cases.
• Careful planning and anatomical consideration are crucial for patient safety.