[Knotted intravascular catheters--what should be done?]

Abstract

Introduction: Fixed intravasal catheters are mainly caused by knots. Removal can be achieved by intervention or surgical exploration, but this is associated with additional morbidity and mortality.

Methods: 2 patients were operated for knotted catheters in our institution during the last 2 years, and their records are demonstrated. Treatment options, possible complications, catheter types and locations of knotting are analyzed by a medline search.

Results: the search revealed the data from 115 patients. 53 (46.1%) of all "lost" catheters were Swan-Ganz catheters. In 60.9% the catheters could be removed by radiological interventions. Open revision was necessary in 33% of all cases. The catheters were left in place when the clinical condition of the patient did not allow removal (n = 7). However, these patients suffered from a high mortality (5 of 7 patients). Over all mortality reached 8.7%. In the own two cases one removal by sternotomy and one by exploration of the right internal jugular vein were necessary, both operations succeeded without complications.

Conclusion: Most of all "lost" intravasal catheters are removed by radiological intervention; only one third needs open surgical therapy. These procedures are harmful for the patient and bear considerable risks for complications.