Comparison of complications associated with single-holed and multi-holed extradural catheters.

Adverse events associated with single-holed and multi-holed extradural catheters were compared in obstetric practice. Two hundred and forty-five patients were given an extradural block using a single-holed catheter and 229 received a block via a multi-holed catheter. There was no difference in the incidence of major side effects. Flow of fluid under gravity in the catheter was restricted significantly more often in the single-holed catheters. Blood was found significantly more often in the multi-holed catheters.