title: On knots in epidural catheters: a case report and a review of the literature.
abstract: A lumbar epidural catheter placed for labor analgesia proved to be difficult to remove after an uneventful delivery. With the patient in the position of catheter insertion, i.e. seated, firm and steady traction allowed removal of the catheter and revealed a knot 4 mm from its tip. Passing excessive amount of catheter into the epidural space may have contributed to this complication. Guidelines to prevent and to minimize this complication are suggested.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Hôpital de la Citadelle, Liege University Hospital, Belgium. jfbrichant@chu.ulg.ac.be
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Brichant
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bonhomme
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002404:Catheterization; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy