Reinsertion of accidentally dislodged catheters through the original track: what is the likelihood of success?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the success rate for reinsertion of interventional radiology-placed catheters that were accidentally removed by using the existing percutaneous track and to investigate factors that influence success rate.


METHODS
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 225 patients who presented with dislodged catheters (24 tunneled central venous catheters, 170 gastrostomy/jejunostomy tubes, 25 nephrostomy catheters, five biliary catheters, and one transhepatic hemodialysis catheter) and underwent attempts for reinsertion between 1999 and 2007. Data obtained from the radiology information system included the type of catheter and the indwelling and reinsertion times.


RESULTS
The overall success rate for reinsertion was 87%. Success of reinsertion was associated with longer catheter indwelling times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (254 vs 100 days, P < .01). Success of reinsertion was associated with shorter reinsertion times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (1.1 vs 2.7 days, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Reinsertion of catheters by using the cutaneous track can be performed successfully during the first days after dislodgement. Success rates vary on the basis of catheter type and indwelling and reinsertion times.
Collares
Felipe B
FB
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 1 Deaconess Rd CC308, Boston, MA 02115, USA. fcollare@bidmc.harvard.edu
Faintuch
Salomao
S
Kim
Seung Kwon
SK
Rabkin
Dmitry J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001900:Boston; D002404:Catheterization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult