A modified intracavitary electrocardiographic method for detecting the location of the tip of central venous catheters in atrial fibrillation patients.

Introduction: The intracavitary electrocardiographic method is recommended for assessing the location of the tip of central venous catheter when there is an identifiable wave. Previous reports suggested that intracavitary electrocardiographic method might also be applied to patients with atrial fibrillation, considering the so-called waves as a surrogate of the wave.

Methods: We studied 18 atrial fibrillation patients requiring simultaneously a central venous catheter and a trans-esophageal echocardiography.