[Central neurological complication of an interscalene plexus catheter]

A 78-year-old patient received an interscalene plexus catheter for perioperative pain therapy during implantation of an inverse shoulder prothesis. After stimulation-assisted puncture under sonographic control, 25 ml of local anesthetic (LA) were first administered and then the catheter was placed using the through the needle technique. Immediately after the administration of another 5 ml of local anesthetic via the inserted catheter, the patient showed symptoms of total spinal anesthesia, so that she had to be intubated and ventilated. The following computed tomographic diagnostics of the neck revealed an intrathecal misalignment of the plexus catheter, the tip of which was lying dorsal to the vertebral artery at the level of the 5/6 cervical vertebrae. The catheter could then be removed without any problems and there were no neurological sequelae. The use of ultrasound with clear identification of the nerve roots C5-C7 and the surrounding structures provides additional security when installing an intrascalene catheter. The spread of the LA should be traceable at all times using ultrasound and should otherwise be immediately terminated. Furthermore, a strict adherence to the needle position while inserting the catheter without manipulation of the needle depth is necessary. The first injection of the catheter has to be performed under controlled conditions, preferably connected to surveillance monitors with neurological monitoring of the awake patient and control of vital signs with direct access to the emergency equipment.