The journal of vascular access
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Verification of intravenous catheter placement by auscultation--a simple, noninvasive technique.
Verification of proper placement of an intravenous catheter may not always be simple. We evaluated the auscultation technique for this purpose. ⋯ Being simple, handy and noninvasive, we recommend to use the auscultation technique for verification of the proper placement of an intravenous catheter when uncertain of its position. Data obtained in our limited sample of healthy subjects need to be confirmed in the clinical setting.
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A long-term tunneled hemodialysis catheter can be difficult or impossible to pull out if a fibrin sleeve has attached it to the venous wall. We report the outcome of a refinement of Hong's technique for removing incarcerated catheters aimed at improving its feasibility and safety. ⋯ Hong's technique was confirmed to be a simple, safe and highly effective way to remove incarcerated long-term central venous catheters. The refinements we adopted made the procedure more flexible and possibly less prone to complications. By properly using ordinary tools available anywhere, Hong's technique could be considered Columbus' egg in this previously risky field.