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"In conclusion, guidewire knot formation is a very rare complication, but physicians performing central venous catheterization should be aware of it, and this report describes how to prevent and manage it" Sekiguchi and Takano (2022).
CVC guidewire knot formation

Abstract:

Central venous catheters are used for a variety of purposes, including emergency care, parenteral nutrition, and chemotherapy, but their insertion can cause mechanical complications such as malposition, arterial puncture, and pneumothorax. Here, we describe a rare case of guidewire knot formation during subclavian vein catheterization. A 70-year-old woman presented to our facility for central venous port placement for chemotherapy after surgical resection of a retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The left subclavian vein was selected and punctured under ultrasound guidance, and a guidewire was introduced. However, strong resistance prevented both advancement and withdrawal of the guidewire. Radiograph revealed a knot like shadow near the tip of the guidewire. After placement of a central venous port in the opposite site, the knotted guidewire was surgically removed. Intraoperatively, the guidewire was found to penetrate the vein and form a knot on the outside of the posterior wall. Although the guidewire was able to be removed, a postoperative chest x-ray revealed a left pneumothorax, which required 10 days of treatment. If a knot forms in a guidewire during catheterization, surgical removal is recommended because forcible pulling can damage the vessel. In conclusion, guidewire knot formation is a very rare complication, but physicians performing central venous catheterization should be aware of it, and this report describes how to prevent and manage it.

Reference:

Sekiguchi K, Takano H. Knot formation of a guidewire during subclavian venous catheterization: A case report. Radiol Case Rep. 2022 Aug 13;17(10):3923-3926. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.07.071. PMID: 36032201; PMCID: PMC9399890.