ABSTRACT

The intravascular migration of a multihole epidural catheter can have catastrophic consequences. The consequences can be even more exaggerated if the catheter is placed at the cervical or high thoracic region. We suggest a cautious approach before injection of a bolus of local anaesthetic. Whenever in doubt, the exact position of the catheter should be checked using fluoroscopy and contrast injection. In this case report, we have described our experience with an inadvertently placed intravascular cervical epidural catheter.

Keywords: Blood vessels, epidural, fluoroscopy, local anesthesia