Alpha replacement method for the displaced Swan neck catheter.

We have developed a new method for the displacement of the Swan neck straight (SNS) catheter and have named it the "alpha replacement method." The procedure is to insert a 1.5 mm flexible metal guide wire into the transfer tube, passing it through the catheter tip until it touches the mesenterium. Continued gentle pressure will cause the guide wire to make a big loop in the abdomen, and as the loop increases in size, the catheter will move into the minor pelvic space. The guide wire is pulled out by pressing down on the lower abdomen, and the catheter remains in the minor pelvic space. The procedure is then complete. The alpha replacement method was successful in all 8 patients, with the manipulation time being about 15 minutes. No complications have occurred.