Last update:
04-Jan-2001

Arch Hellen Med, 17(4), July-August 2000, 401-403

SHORT COMMUNICATION

Guidewire knot formation during subclavian vein catheterization

P. PAPAGORAS, I. ADAMAKIS, M. KANARA,
A. KYRIAKIDIS, I. KARANIKAS, G. ANTSAKLIS
Department of Surgery, “Sismanoglion” General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Knotting of the guidewire during central venous catheterization is an extremely rare condition, with only 3 cases reported, so far, in the literature. A case is reported in which insertion of a subclavian catheter resulted in multiple loop knot formation of the guidewire. A short review of the literature provides illustration of important aspects in the management of this unusual occurrence.

Key words: Guidewire, Intravascular catheter, Knot.