[A rare complication during insertion of a vena cava catheter according to the Seldinger method: fragmentation of the guide-spiral (author's transl)].

This paper reports the occurrence (10 occasions) of fragmentation of the guide-spiral during catheterization of the superior vena cava in 9 patients according to the Seldinger method. Reasons for this severe complication are faults in the material, technical inadequacy or lack of supervision. Such complications are dangerous for the patient and have a high mortality. Better results can only be achieved by early diagnosis and--if possible--removal of the foreign body.