Reinsertion of accidentally dislodged catheters through the original track: what is the likelihood of success?

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2010 Jun;21(6):861-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2010.02.022. Epub 2010 Apr 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the success rate for reinsertion of interventional radiology-placed catheters that were accidentally removed by using the existing percutaneous track and to investigate factors that influence success rate.

Materials and methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 225 patients who presented with dislodged catheters (24 tunneled central venous catheters, 170 gastrostomy/jejunostomy tubes, 25 nephrostomy catheters, five biliary catheters, and one transhepatic hemodialysis catheter) and underwent attempts for reinsertion between 1999 and 2007. Data obtained from the radiology information system included the type of catheter and the indwelling and reinsertion times.

Results: The overall success rate for reinsertion was 87%. Success of reinsertion was associated with longer catheter indwelling times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (254 vs 100 days, P < .01). Success of reinsertion was associated with shorter reinsertion times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (1.1 vs 2.7 days, P < .05).

Conclusions: Reinsertion of catheters by using the cutaneous track can be performed successfully during the first days after dislodgement. Success rates vary on the basis of catheter type and indwelling and reinsertion times.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Boston
  • Catheterization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Interventional / statistics & numerical data*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult