Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation under computed tomography guidance.

Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava (IVC) cannulation is an alternative approach for central venous catheterization, but there have been sporadic reports of puncture-related complications. To avoid complications during IVC puncture, percutaneous translumbar IVC cannulation was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance in addition to fluoroscopy in two patients. To perform chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer, we planned subcutaneous port catheter placement for central venous access. Under CT guidance, the direction and insertion distance of a long elastor needle were adjusted, and the IVC was punctured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra while taking care to avoid the right urinary tract. A guidewire was inserted through the long elastor needle, and a catheter was placed over the guidewire. It was possible to perform central venous catheterization by percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation under CT guidance.