Removal of an Entrapped Lumbar Drain After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage with a lumbar drain is an important aspect of spinal cord protection during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Lumbar drains have low reported complication rates. We report a case of an entrapped lumbar drain after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Computed tomography imaging of the lumbar spine with 3-dimensional reformatting was critical in determining where the drain was entrapped and assisted with its removal. Induction of general anesthesia to reduce muscle spasms and extreme flexion of the lumbar spine also facilitated removal. This case demonstrates a safe step-by-step approach that was used for removing an entrapped drain.