Drainage Catheter Exchange

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a Drainage Catheter Exchange.

Upon arrival in the Diagnostic Imaging Department, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will then be placed on a radiographic table where the radiologist will begin the exam.

A Drainage Catheter Exchange consists of placement of a soft guidewire through your drainage catheter. The old drainage catheter is then removed and a new drainage catheter is inserted. Once the procedure is complete care must be taken to ensure that the catheter is not pulled out of position.

Risks involved with this examination include: infection, reaction to contrast medium, and bleeding.

Your physician feels the benefits of this procedure outweigh the risks and would aid in the treatment of your medical condition.

LENGTH: Approximately 45 minutes

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.