Key result
Attempted induction of thoracic epidural anaesthesia using a paramedian approach resulted in an accidental pleural puncture, highlighting the risk of lung tissue injury and tension pneumothorax.
Case Report (n=1)
Accidental pleural puncture is a potential complication of thoracic epidural catheter placement that can lead to tension pneumothorax.
Reinforces vigilance for pleural injury during thoracic epidural attempts; case report leaves open optimal technique selection.
We report the occurrence of an accidental pleural puncture by an epidural catheter that happened during the attempted induction of thoracic epidural anaesthesia using a paramedian approach in an awake patient. The incorrect placement of the catheter was recognised while the patient was undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. The possibility of accidental pleural puncture during attempted thoracic epidural catheter placement by either the paramedian or the midline approach should be borne in mind. A misplaced catheter may injure lung tissue and result in a potentially dangerous intra-operative tension pneumothorax.
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Zaugg et al. (1998) conducted a case report in Thoracoscopic surgery (n=1). Thoracic epidural catheter placement was evaluated on Accidental pleural puncture. Attempted induction of thoracic epidural anaesthesia using a paramedian approach resulted in an accidental pleural puncture, highlighting the risk of lung tissue injury and tension pneumothorax.
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