[Repositioning of a central venous catheter with a guide wire with movable core].
OBJECTIVE
A simple method to redirect malpositioned central venous catheters using a guide wire with movable core is described.


METHODS
A 0.89 mm guide wire with movable core is inserted into the catheter. The core is withdrawn for a few centimeters producing a floppy wire tip segment, which follows the malpositioned course of the catheter. The core is then advanced in small steps, until the catheter tip flips into the correct vein.


RESULTS
In 8 cases rapid repositioning of malpositioned catheters was accomplished with this technique, without moving the catheters at the entry site.


CONCLUSIONS
The repositioning technique described is simple, fast, and inexpensive. Movement of the catheter at the entrance site is not necessary, thus not jeopardizing sterility, and without the need to solve the suture fixation.
Schmitz-Rode
T
T
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen. smiro@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Kilbinger
M
M
Günther
R W
RW
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010690:Phlebography / Q000295:instrumentation; D019233:Retreatment; D013909:Thorax / Q000098:blood supply