Endobronchial Malposition of Matthys Pleural Catheter: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Matthys catheters (Matthys drainage A Set, Bösch Feinmechanik und Medizintechnik GmbH, Gottenheim, Germany) are thin catheters with an external diameter of 2.7 mm, which are often used in internal medicine to drain pleural effusions. After puncturing the pleural cavity with a hollow needle the Matthys catheter is advanced through it without resistance. Once the three-way tap on the catheter has been opened, the pleural effusion should flow out.

Case Description In our case, the positioning of the Matthys catheter was thought to be completely straightforward but an X-ray check nonetheless revealed malposition. The catheter had been advanced surprisingly over the left upper lobe bronchus across the carina into the right upper lobe bronchus. No thoracic bleeding occurred.

Conclusion Although the Matthys catheter was placed endobronchially, we removed it without air leakage. Fortunately, no further problems occurred.

Keywords

pleural catheter - pleural effusion - Matthys catheter - malposition - complication

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