Cross-over endovascular retrieval of a lost guide wire from the subclavian vein.
BACKGROUND
The lost guidewire in central venous catheterization is a commonly described complication. The percutaneous endovascular retrieval method is safe and has a very low complication rate.


OBJECTIVE
Guidewires extending to the inferior cava vein are usually retrieved via the femoral vein. Under special circumstances, femoral venous access may be impossible and alternative vascular approaches are required.


METHODS
We report a case in which we used an alternative vascular approach, from the subclavian site contralateral to the insertion, in a patient with extensive inguinal burn injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Cross-over subclavian retrieval can be an alternative approach for retrieval of a lost guidewire, but it involves an increased risk of puncture-related complications such as pneumothorax.
Struck
M F
MF
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Trauma Center, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannstrost, Halle/Saale, Germany. ManuelStruck@web.de
Kaden
I
I
Heiser
A
A
Steen
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000628:therapy; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D020878:Device Removal; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010690:Phlebography; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging