[Malpositioning of venous catheters (author's transl)]

The position of 2467 intravenous catheters was controlled radiographically over a period of one year. In 22.5% the position needed correcting. In most cases it was sufficient to withdraw the catheter slightly. In 68 patients in whom the catheter had formed loops or had entered the jugular vein the position was corrected using a J-shaped guide wire and was successful in 63 cases. This method needs little time and equipment and saves the patients repeated venous punctures. Not including bacterial contamination of the catheter the complication rate of venous catheterisation was 2.6%.