Wednesday March 7, 2007
Ever get shocked while putting central line?

We found this interesting case in Academic Emergency Medicine 1.

While putting central line, patient developed arrthymia as guidewire entered the cardiac structure. Pt. had automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) which get activated with arrhythmia and shock was transmitted and felt by the operating physician !! No harm happened to physician or patient.

Lesson learned: To avoid extensive insertion of wire more than needed.


Related previous pearl: Appropriate length of guide wire to advance


Reference: click to get abstract/article
An Unexpected Complication of Central Line Placement - Acad Emerg Med.2001; 8: 854.