Jugular Venous Catheterization: A Case of Knotting

Area of Science:

• Medical procedures
• Surgical complications
• Vascular access

Background:

• Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for hemodynamic monitoring and fluid/drug administration in surgical patients.
• Despite their utility, CVC placement and use can be associated with various complications.
• Catheter knotting is a rare but potentially serious complication that can impede removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of central venous catheter knotting during ovarian cancer surgery.
• To describe the successful removal of a knotted central venous catheter using a traction technique.
• To review literature on the incidence, prevention, and management of central venous catheter knotting.

Main Methods:

• A 79-year-old female patient undergoing oophorectomy for ovarian cancer.
• Intraoperative placement of a central venous catheter via the right internal jugular vein, noted to be knotted post-procedure.
• Successful removal of the knotted catheter utilizing a traction technique in the operating room.

Main Results:

• The central venous catheter was successfully removed without further complications.
• The case demonstrates the feasibility of a traction technique for resolving knotted central venous catheters.
• Literature review identified knotting as an infrequent but significant CVC complication.

Conclusions:

• Central venous catheter knotting is a rare complication that can occur during invasive procedures.
• A traction technique can be an effective method for the successful removal of knotted central venous catheters.
• Awareness and preparedness for managing such complications are crucial for patient safety during CVC use.