title: A novel use of a split sheath to maintain vessel access when guidewire exchange is not possible.
abstract: After inserting a catheter into a vessel, guidewire exchange technique must be used to maintain vascular access. If the lumen of the catheter is blocked and the guidewire exchange cannot be used, the catheter can only be removed, vascular access is lost, and an alternate vascular approach attempted. We describe a technique to remove the blocked catheter and still maintain vascular access.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Irvine, Division of Cardiology, Orange, California, USA.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Appleby
authors.forename: Kent
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McAllister
authors.forename: Morton J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kern
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020878:Device Removal; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011677:Punctures; D016896:Treatment Outcome