We studied 8 patients undergoing elective surgery of the lower limbs or lower abdomen who received continuous spinal anesthesia using a 32-gauge spinal catheter (Microspinal
®, TFX Medical). To avoid cauda equina syndrome, we tried to place the tip of the catheter 2 to 3cm above the level of the 2nd lumber vertebra cephalad by inserting a spinal needle at L2-3 instead of L
3-4, and by directing the tip of the needle cephalad intentionally. We also selected 0.5% isobaric terracaine instead of hyperbaric solution to avoid the possibility of sacral accumulation of anesthetic. In 6 patients, after the initial administration of 3ml of 0.5% tetracaine, mean sensory blockade to T
8 was achieved. The sensory block of the patients who required additional anesthetic through the spinal catheter exteded to the T
4-5 level at the end of surgery. The 2 other patients required supplemental general anesthesia, beacuse maldistribution of local anesthetic might have occurred due to intrusion of a catheter toward the caudal sac. No complications such as cauda equina syndrome, breakdown of the spinal catheter, infection, neurological injuries or as postdural puncture headache were noted.
We conclude that the system for continuous spinal anesthesia by the microcatheter may require some improvement or an aiding device such as a Sprotte needle to control the direction of the catheter to avoid cauda equina syndrome.
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