Bedside Procedure: Retained Central Venous Catheter

Abstract

The placement of central venous catheters (CVC) is a common medical procedure and adjunct to current medical therapy. With millions of CVC placed yearly in the United States, complications occur. It is important to be aware of the potential immediate and long term complications associated with this procedure. In this chapter, a representative case of retained CVC guidewire is presented. Provider experience , appropriate patient selection and insertion technique can minimize the risk of immediate complication in most cases. A brief discussion of CVC complications with emphasis on guidewire malfunction is presented along with management and retrieval options.