Catheter Tip Position and Contrast Distribution Following Paravertebral Catheter Insertion: a CT Study

Catheter Tip Position and Contrast Distribution Following Paravertebral Catheter Insertion: a CT Study

This retrospective study aims to assess the impact of paravertebral catheter insertion depth on the final anatomical position of the catheter tip. Another objective is to characterize the contrast distribution patterns through paravertebral catheters verified to reside within the thoracic paravertebral space.

The effectiveness of a continuous thoracic paravertebral block depends on optimal catheter tip placement and adequate distribution of local anesthetic. This study evaluated the relation between the catheter insertion depth and the final anatomical position of the catheter tip. Additionally, contrast distribution patterns were assessed for catheter tips residing within the thoracic paravertebral space.

Ultrasound-guided paravertebral catheters were inserted at multiple catheter insertion depths beyond the needle tip in 31 patients undergoing breast surgery. Post-mobilization computed tomography (CT) imaging was used to determine the catheter tip location. Catheter tips with a confirmed position in the paravertebral space were further analyzed for contrast distribution.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Breast surgery patients who received a paravertebral catheter at Clinique Sainte-Anne Saint Rémi, Brussels, Belgium, between January 2010 and January 2012

Exclusion Criteria:

• None