[Tricuspid valve dysfunction associated with entrapment of the guide wire in the tricuspid valve during central...

Central venous catheterization which is frequently used for hemodynamic monitoring represents a high risk for catheter-related complications. Tricuspid valve dysfunction associated with central venous catheterization is very rare. A 22-year-old woman with acute renal failure was scheduled for hemodialysis. After completion of catheter placement, attempts to remove the guide wire failed. Radiographic examination was not helpful in showing the extension of the wire. Transthoracic echocardiography showed tricuspid valve motion upon the movement of the guide wire. Color Doppler imaging revealed mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation. A right atriotomy was performed through a right anterolateral thoracotomy to remove the guide wire entrapped in the tricuspid chordae. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed complete disappearance of tricuspid dysfunction.