Wiesmann T, Wallot P, Nentwig L, Beermann AV, Wulf H, Zoremba M, Al-Dahna T, Eschbach D, Steinfeldt T. Separation of stimulating catheters for continuous peripheral regional anesthesia during their removal - two case reports and a critical appraisal of the use of steel-coil containing stimulating catheters.
Local Reg Anesth 2015;
8:15-9. [PMID:
26170716 PMCID:
PMC4492648 DOI:
10.2147/lra.s82362]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Stimulating catheters are widely used for continuous peripheral nerve block techniques in regional anesthesia. The incidence of reported complications is somewhat similar to that for non-stimulating catheters. However, as many stimulating catheters contain a coiled steel wire for optimal stimulation, they may cause specific complications.
Clinical features
In this report, we present two cases of complicated removals of stimulating catheters. During both removals, a part of the metal wire was left “decoiled” next to the supraclavicular and interscalene plexus, respectively. The strategies used to determine steel wire localization and a description of the successful removal of these steel wires are included in this report.
Conclusion
Catheter separation and problems with residual metal wire components of stimulating catheters seem to be a rare but specific problem during removal. Anesthesiologists should strictly avoid catheter shearing during insertion, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, and take care during catheter removal. Manufacturers should focus on technical solutions to avoid rare but relevant complications such as catheter tip decoiling and separation of stimulating catheters during removal.
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