Deep Serratus Plane Catheter for Management of Acute Postthoracotomy Pain After Descending Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Case Report.

Abstract

Regional procedures for postthoracotomy pain control have classically focused on paravertebral blocks and thoracic epidurals; however, these techniques may be challenging in an increasingly obese population and contraindicated with numerous anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. While less studied, truncal blocks allow analgesic intervention for this growing patient cohort. This case report describes placement of a deep serratus anterior plane catheter in an intubated, morbidly obese patient with a lumbar drain who failed extubation secondary to acute postthoracotomy pain. The serratus plane catheter facilitated extubation and adequate analgesia without prohibiting anticoagulant use or interfering with the monitoring of spinal cord function.