Radiology
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Forty-six silicone rubber catheters were placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC) of 40 patients via a translumbar approach. No patient suffered retroperitoneal bleeding as determined by means of clinical observation (n = 46), computed tomography (CT) (n = 31), or autopsy (n = 5). Twenty-four catheters were removed after a mean of 51 (range, 2-137) days. ⋯ Ten catheter malpositions resulted in venous access failure. Five of these catheters were replaced, four were repositioned, and one spontaneously resumed the original position. It is concluded that percutaneous placement of silicone rubber catheters in the IVC is a satisfactory alternative when catheter placement in the subclavian vein is not feasible.
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The use of an air enema for diagnosis and treatment of intussusception has recently gained popularity. The current end point for reduction is the reflux of air into the terminal ileum. ⋯ Thus, reflux of air alone cannot be relied on as the sole criterion for reduction. Close examination of the cecum for a persistent filling defect is imperative to exclude unsuccessful reduction.