A comparison of 7 types of epidural catheters
Kobayashi, N.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 39(3): 335-342
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 2345394 Document Number: 366740
The stiffness on bending of 7 types of epidural catheters was measured with the help of a cantilever beam. 1415 patients scheduled for lithotripsy, requiring epidural anesthesia, were selected and randomly assigned to receive one of the catheters. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the resistance to insertion. The incidence of intravenous insertion, subarachnoid location and paresthesia during catheter insertion were assessed. The position of epidural catheters was studied radiographically in 1276 of 1415 patients. There were no significant difference among 7 types of epidural catheters as far as the incidence of intravenous insertion, subarachnoid insertion of straight lying of catheter in epidural space were concerned. When the catheter was hard or pushed against the resistance to insertion, the incidence of paresthesia increased. When the catheter was hard and pushed against the resistance to insertion, transformational escape increased. A soft catheter should be chosen to minimize the incidence of paresthesia or transforaminal escape.