Slight Damage to Epidural Catheter Equipped with Tuohy Needle at Time of Insertion Results in Embedded Remnant.

: It is known that a portion of an epidural catheter can remain embedded when the catheter is pulled back at the time of insertion or a longer length than required is used. We report a case in which an epi- dural catheter piece including a metal coil broke off and remained embedded at the time of withdrawal. Because of the presence of the coil, MRI could not be utilized, while CT scanning was useful to locate the remaining portion. Following surgical extraction, the embedded portion was thoroughly examined. The point of the catheter was cut sharply, which suggested that damage occurred without awareness of the anesthesi- ologist When a catheter breaks leaving a remnant surgical extraction should be considered based on appropriate examination findings.