Intraperitoneally Located Tip of Femoral Vein Catheter; Clinical Suspicion for Avoidance of Unnecessary Laparotomy

Abstract

Central venous catheterization is a common procedure in critical care and trauma patients. Complications are not rare and in some studies more than 15% incidence has been reported (1). Femoral vein is one of the commonest site for this purpose yet it carries complications, such as infection and misplacement. The current study reports an unexpected secondary malposition of right femoral CVC in the peritoneal cavity. It was concluded that in any case of acute abdominal issues, following insertion of femoral venous catheter, evaluation of catheter misplacement by the means of contrast injection through it can be helpful for better diagnosis, and may help avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.