Misplacement of a femoral venous catheter into the ascending lumbar vein: repositioning using ultrasonographic guidance

A 5-week-old infant with congenital chylothorax required long-term intravenous access for parenteral nutrition. Cannulation of the inferior vena cava via the left femoral vein was attempted, but the catheter was misplaced into the left ascending lumbar vein. Catheter removal is advised when such malposition is identified. We were able successfully to redirect the catheter into the inferior vena cava using ultrasonographic guidance. This procedure has not been described previously in children. We propose that repositioning of incorrectly placed vascular catheters can be achieved using ultrasound guidance at the bedside.