Risk of Hematoma in Patients With a Bleeding Risk Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery With a Paravertebral Catheter.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the risk of hematoma associated with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: Single university hospital.

Participants: The study comprised 141 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with TPVB to relieve postoperative pain.

Interventions: None.

Measurements And Main Results: Three patients were excluded and of the remaining 138, TPVB was performed in 135, ages 11 to 96 years, who either had a clotting abnormality or were on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. No paravertebral, epidural, or spinal hematoma was detected, and only 1 case of superficial bleeding was observed. The frequency of hematoma associated with TPVB in patients with a risk of bleeding undergoing cardiovascular surgery was calculated as 0% (95% confidence interval 0-2.7).

Conclusion: Hematoma did not occur in patients at risk of bleeding who underwent cardiovascular surgery with TPVB for postoperative pain management. However, the risk and benefit in each case still must be considered carefully to determine whether TPVB is indicated.