Video-assisted thoracoscopic placement of paravertebral catheters: A technique for postoperative analgesia for bilateral thoracoscopic surgery

Abstract

Paravertebral catheters were placed bilaterally through a Tuohy needle under direct video control in a patient undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) surgery for recurrent, bilateral pneumothoraces. Postoperative analgesia was produced by infusing bupivacaine through the catheters. This provided good analgesia. VAT placement of paravertebral catheters is easily accomplished and may be a part of the surgical procedure. (Br. J. Anaesth. 1994; 72: 462-464) © 1994 British Journal of Anaesthesia.