International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 133-135, September 2008

Emergency Femoral Central Venous Catheterization in an Elderly Patient Complicated by Distal Guidewire Migration

  • Chien-Cheng Huang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Fu Jen Catholic University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Chien-Cheng Huang, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, 280, Section 4, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chia-Meng Chan

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Fu Jen Catholic University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Jiann-Hwa Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Fu Jen Catholic University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Wei-Lung Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Fu Jen Catholic University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Yung-Lung Wu

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Fu Jen Catholic University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan

Accepted 16 April 2008.

Article Outline

Summary 

Central line placement is a common technique in emergency and critical care. Although it is not a very difficult procedure, severe complications sometimes occur. We present a very rare complication of distal guidewire migration to the superior vena cava while performing femoral venous catheterization in an elderly patient. The problems of human errors are discussed and precautions are proposed.

Key Words:  central venous catheterization , complication , elderly , emergency department , femoral vein , guidewire

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References 

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PII: S1873-9598(08)70052-8

doi:10.1016/S1873-9598(08)70052-8

International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 133-135, September 2008

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