Impact of phase of respiration on central venous catheter tip position.

Purpose: To determine the impact of the phase of respiration on CVC tip position using cross-sectional imaging.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the CT scans of 24 consecutive patients (eight men and 16 women, mean age 56.3 years, range 18-79) who underwent a CT scan protocol that includes both imaging of the thorax in inspiration and expiration.