Epidural catheter migration: is aspiration enough? A case report

Abstract Background Local anesthetic agents are widely used drugs across the globe. Within their dosage range and appropriate location of administration, they are quite safe and effective. Rarely when given via intravascular route, local anesthetics can lead to life-threatening consequences. Case presentation Here, we present a case of a young male with an epidural catheter for femur surgery. The catheter was functioning quite well initially but later migrated in the intravascular route. When top-up was given with local anesthetics, the patient developed seizures which were managed promptly. Conclusions Inadvertent migration of catheter may occur during patient positioning or unwanted movements during surgery, but careful aspiration before every top-up and aspiration during every aliquot of top-up must be practiced.