Difficult extubation caused by knotting of an epidural catheter：a case report

Background: Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anaesthesia is the preferred anesthesia method for cesarean delivery. However, it is very rare in knotting of epidural catheters that most require surgery to remove the catheter. Case presentation: A 30-year-old parturient with a difficulty in epidural catheter extraction after cesarean section. CT scan revealed that the catheter had formed a tight knot in the epidural space. We reviewed relevant case reports and summarized the latest research progress, We removed the catheter by non-invasive means of opening the joint to the maximum extent possible. Conclusion This case suggests that in cases of difficulty in catheter removal, immediate use of imaging techniques such as CT scan should be recommended to assess the catheter's positioning and trajectory. Demonstrate our method is a simple, cost-effective treatment that clinicians can implementeasily and quickly into routine practice.