The Seldinger Technique

This important technique for catheter placement was devised by Dr Seldinger and is described in his paper of 1953 (Catheter replacement of the needle in percutaneous angiography: a new technique, Acta Radiol (Stockholm) 1953. His apparently simple idea represented a big step forward and his technique facilitates straightforward catheterisation of blood vessels, or indeed other organs in the body. Precise positioning of the inserted catheter tip is possible, using either measurement or ultrasound-guided techniques. The technique is a core part of modern medicine and without it many advanced procedures, such as those requiring cardiac catheterisation, would be difficult to perform.

There are three key steps to the technique - a hollow needle is first inserted into the vessel or organ to be catheterised. A guidewire is then threaded through it and the needle removed. The final catheter is then threaded over this wire and the guidewire removed to complete catheterisation. Vygon Vet offers a wide range of products for use with this technique, including our Leadercath E.L. range of central venous catheters which is supplied as a complete kit, ideal for central venous catheterisation of the veterinary patient. Modern refinements offered by our kits include a flexible helical guidewire with "J" tip to minimise the risk of vessel trauma, as well as the provision of a dilator to facilitate passage of the catheter through the vessel wall.

Placement of a Leadercath catheter in a canine jugular vein:

	Prepare and drape site, then insert introducer needle using an aseptic gloved technique.
	Remove syringe.
	Advance the "J" tip guidewire to desired position in vessel, using the distance markings provided. The "J" tip can be straightened for use in narrow vessels.
	Withdraw needle, keeping guidewire position fixed.
	Advance vessel dilator over guidewire, then remove.
	Place the catheter to correct depth, using markings, then withdraw guidewire.

Central venous catheters from Vygon Vet:
Leadercath E.L.
Leaderflex
Multicath Forward

© Vygon (UK) Ltd 2009