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Extradural vein puncture—an avoidable complication
Author(s) -
Mannion D.,
Walker R.,
Clayton K.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1991.tb09665.x
Subject(s) - medicine , complication , surgery , vein
Summary Accidental cannulation of an extradural vein is a troublesome and potentially serious complication of extradural catheter insertion. This study was conducted to assess the influence of posture, catheter size and the injection of saline before catheter insertion, on its occurrence. Eight different techniques were studied based on combinations of these three factors. There was no difference in incidence with respect to posture. The use of 18‐gauge catheters, after injection of 10 ml of 0.9% saline, resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the incidence of extradural vein cannulation. This technique is recommended in obstetric patients as a means of avoiding accidental intravenous injection of local analgesic.