Korean Journal of Anesthesiology  2001;40(4):539-542

doi:10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.539

Malposition of a Subclavian Catheter in the Internal Jugular Vein Due to the Direction of a J-type Guidewire End .

Young Tae JEON 1 ; Yong Seok OH ; Jae Hyon BAHK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Anatomy: vein; subclavian; Equipment: catheter; central venous; guidewire

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

A central venous catheter is inserted through the subclavian vein for the purpose of administration of fluids and drugs, and the monitoring of the central venous pressure. Central venous catheterization is associated with complications that may occur during the insertion of the catheter or owing to the aberrant location of its tip. A malpositioned catheter can result in faulty central venous pressure reading or lead to thrombosis of the vein. Many attempts have been made to correctly place a central venous catheter into the superior vena cava. We report a case where the cephalad direction of the flexible end of a J type guidewire was related to the guidewire advancing into the internal jugular vein.