Anesthetic Management of a Patient With VACTERL Association After Failed Spinal Block for Cesarean Delivery

( Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth . 2025;72:214–216 I https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-024-02905-z) The anesthetic care of patients with VACTERL association poses unique challenges due to the constellation of congenital anomalies involved. VACTERL is a nonrandom association of birth defects, requiring at least 3 of the following to be diagnosed: vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal anomalies, and limb deformities. These features can complicate airway management, neuraxial anesthesia, cardiovascular stability, and respiratory function during surgery.