Introduction:

Invasive procedures like the placement of catheters, probes, tubes, and electrodes in critically ill patients can cause immediate life-threatening complications. This review will approach the complications caused by central catheter and endotracheal tube. Therefore, recognizing the different anatomical markers that serve as guidance to assure the proper placement of these medical devices using different imaging modalities, favors the early detection of potential complications.

Material and methods:

A detailed review of the literature about the subject was carried out, and representative cases from the imaging department of Hospital Angeles Lomas, were analyzed to describe the anatomical markers used to evaluate the correct location of medical devices such as central catheter and endotracheal tube placed in critically ill patients. The appearance and complications of misplaced devices were also recorded.

Results:

We describe the anatomical markers that are useful to prove the adequate placement of different medical devices, as well as the most common complications and radiological appearances of misplaced devices.

Conclusions:

It is essential that radiologists and other physicians become familiar with the different imaging modalities used to evaluate the placement of medical devices, as well as being aware of the anatomical markers and the radiological appearance of properly positioned or misplaced devices and possible complications of their misplacement.