Aberrant central venous catheter complicating radical neck dissection

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Complications
• Anatomy

Background:

• Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for patient care but prone to complications.
• Long-term CVCs inserted via the antecubital fossa frequently exhibit abnormal migration.
• Understanding migration patterns is crucial for preventing adverse events.

Observation:

• A case of central venous catheter migration is presented.
• The catheter migrated into the internal jugular vein.
• This complication occurred subsequent to an ipsilateral radical neck dissection.

Findings:

• Abnormal migration of central venous catheters is a recognized issue.
• Internal jugular vein migration presents a specific challenge in post-operative patients.
• The anatomical proximity following neck dissection may predispose to migration.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilance regarding CVC placement and migration.
• Awareness of potential migration routes is vital for surgeons and intensivists.
• Further investigation into risk factors for CVC migration post-neck dissection may be warranted.