Shearing of epidural catheter during combined spinal epidural technique: more than just a hypothetical complication.

Abstract

Damage to an epidural catheter by a spinal needle is a hypothetical complication, as mentioned in the literature. We present a case report where the epidural catheter was damaged and sheared by a spinal needle when the same interspace was used for the introduction of both the epidural and spinal needles. The damage to the catheter went unnoticed until drug infusion via the catheter was planned. The intended drug could not be delivered. In a scenario where the drug could have been delivered via the damaged catheter, the tissue plane in which the drug extravasates and its possible implications may not be known. What was once purported to be a rare and hypothetical complication could no longer be just that.