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Back to basics: iatrogenic intravenous cannula embolus
M F Khadim1, D Leonard, R A Moorehead
1South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|October 12, 2013
Summary
A broken intravenous cannula tip embolized distally in a patient's finger. Surgeons successfully removed the 2.2cm foreign body via venotomy, highlighting risks of improper IV access.
Area of Science:
- Vascular surgery
- Medical device complications
- Radiology
Background:
- Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a common procedure.
- Improper insertion techniques can lead to device failure.
- Cannula integrity is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- A case of distal venous embolization of a peripheral intravenous cannula tip is presented.
- The cannula tip lost structural integrity due to repeated failed insertion attempts.
- Radiological imaging confirmed a foreign body in the middle finger.
Findings:
- A 2.2cm long catheter tube was identified as the embolized foreign body.
- The foreign body was located in the dorsal digital vein.
- Surgical removal via venotomy was successfully performed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of adhering to proper intravenous access protocols.
- Failure to maintain cannula integrity can result in serious complications.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for managing such events.
