Decreased Tensile Strength of an Epidural Catheter During its Removal by Grasping with a Hemostat

Abstract

Our case suggests that gripping an epidural catheter with a hemostat during the removal might result in accidental breakage of the catheter. To demonstrate the effect of the use of a hemostat, tensile strengths of catheters were measured while they were being held with either a stainless steel or rubber-sleeved hemostat.