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Fracture of a Broviac catheter in a low-birth-weight infant
Surasak Puvabanditsin1, Eugene Garrow, Rungtiwa Weerasethsiri
1Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. surasak1@aol.com
Insights
Fractures of Broviac central venous catheters are rare in premature neonates. This case report details a rare complication of catheter fracture and embolisation in a preterm infant and the successful retrieval technique.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
- Vascular Access Devices
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for long-term venous access in premature infants.
- Peripherally inserted central catheters and tunnelled lines like Broviac catheters are commonly used.
- Previous reports of CVC fractures in neonates primarily involved peripherally inserted silastic catheters.
Observation:
- A rare complication of CVC fracture and embolisation involving a Broviac central venous line occurred in a preterm neonate.
- This specific complication has not been previously documented in preterm neonates.
Findings:
- The study describes a case of a premature neonate experiencing a fractured Broviac central venous catheter.
- A successful retrieval technique was employed to manage this rare embolic complication.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare complications with tunnelled central venous lines in preterm infants.
- Emphasises the importance of vigilance and specialized retrieval techniques for managing CVC fractures in neonates.
- Contributes to the understanding of adverse events associated with vascular access in high-risk infant populations.
Abstract:
Central venous catheters are widely used in children, particularly in very-low-birth-weight infants in whom long-term access to the venous system is required. This may be achieved by using peripherally inserted central catheters or tunnelled central venous lines (eg Broviac or Hickman lines). Previous case reports of fractured central catheters in premature neonates have involved peripherally inserted silastic catheters. Fractures and embolisation of Broviac central venous fragments have not been previously reported in preterm neonates. We describe a premature neonate with this rare complication along with the retrieval technique used.
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