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- Title
The influence of patient position on withdrawal force of thoracic epidural catheters.
- Authors
Sim WS; Choi JW; Lee CJ; Nahm FS; Lee SH; Shin BS; Cho HS; Sim, W S; Choi, J W; Lee, C J; Nahm, F S; Lee, S H; Shin, B S; Cho, H S
- Abstract
We investigated the forces required to remove thoracic epidural catheters to determine the effect of patient position on removal. Eighty-four patients undergoing open thoracotomy and thoracic patient-controlled epidural analgesia were enrolled. Catheterisation was performed under fluoroscopic guidance before surgery, and the patients were allocated to one of three position groups for removal: prone; sitting; and lateral. On the third postoperative day, the peak tension during withdrawal in the assigned position was measured. No differences in mean (SD) forces were found between groups: prone 1.61 (0.39) N, supine 1.62 (0.61) N and lateral 1.36 (0.56) N (p = 0.140). The withdrawal forces required to remove thoracic epidural catheters were not affected by the position. Thus, the position for removal can be determined by patient's choice and clinical judgement.
- Publication
Anaesthesia, 2012, Vol 67, Issue 1, p19
- ISSN
0003-2409
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2044.2011.06913.x