title: The entrapped central venous catheter.
abstract: The central venous catheter (CVC) is associated with numerous complications more so during the process of insertion. We report for the first time how an indwelling catheter was entrapped by a replacement catheter on the same side, after being speared by the introducer needle and guidewire. The diagnosis was made when there was difficulty in removing the old catheter. Subsequently, interventional radiology services were used to define the problem and help in removal of the entrapped catheter. The mechanism of entrapment and the actual procedure used for removal of the catheter is described. The dangers of insertion of a CVC on the same side as a pre-existing one are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. j.lipman@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dhanani
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Senthuran
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Olivotto
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Boots
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods