Serratus anterior plane catheters after sternotomy linked to more pneumothoraces (12% vs 3%)
Comparing 50 trial patients who received continuous serratus anterior plane catheters with 989 propensity-matched historical patients, pneumothorax occurred in 12% vs 3% (OR 5.3; 95% CI 2.1-13.6). ICU readmission, ventilation time and length of stay did not differ.
Why it matters. A safety signal for teams adding continuous chest-wall catheters to enhanced recovery pathways after cardiac surgery.
Limitation. Historical comparison; the authors note causality is unclear and closer trial monitoring may have detected more pneumothoraces.