Single-step placement of a self-retaining "accordion" catheter

The "accordion" catheter was developed as an adjunct to the Hawkins needle guide to provide safe single-step percutaneous drainage. The Hawkins needle guide is a long, 22-gauge "skinny" needle-cannula system that can be used like any other skinny needle. It can also be used for drainage catheter placement. The accordion catheter is a 6.5 French Teflon catheter with a sigmoid tip. With the use of monofilament, the sigmoid tip can be retracted into a "T" configuration to prevent dislodgment. The 22-gauge needle guide, preloaded with an accordion catheter, can be manipulated safely while the drainage target is located. Then the accordion catheter can be advanced into the target over the needle guide. The "accordion" is easily formed, even in small targets. Successful drainage was achieved in 127 of 131 drainage procedures in which this technique was used. Sepsis did not occur as a complication in any of these procedures.