Ultrasound-Enabled Noninvasive Management of Inadvertent Carotid Cannulation.

Introduction: Despite ultrasound use, accidental carotid cannulation is possible during placement of a central venous catheter (CVC), requiring operative repair of the carotid artery and removal of the catheter.

Case Presentation: We report 2 cases-a 59-year-old Hispanic man and an 86-year-old white man-of inadvertent placement of a CVC into the left common carotid artery, removed via a pull-and-pressure technique under real-time ultrasound guidance. No complications occurred and follow-up imaging was negative for fistula creation, hematoma, or cerebral infarcts.

Discussion: Prior cases have reported accidental carotid cannulations that required operative repair. Our discussion focuses on the complications of removal of CVCs from the common carotid, and the utility, feasibility, and safety of using real-time ultrasound guidance in the removal.

Conclusion: While operative removal of CVCs accidentally placed in the carotid is recommended, an ultrasound-enabled pull-and-pressure technique may prevent complications and avoid need for surgical repair in critically ill patients.