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Catheter embolization from implanted venous access devices: case reports

M E Carr1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.

Angiology
|April 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Catheter embolization from implanted venous access devices can occur due to O-ring slippage or catheter fracture. Percutaneous removal is a safe option for these serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Implanted venous access devices are crucial for long-term therapies.
  • Catheter embolization is a rare but serious complication associated with these devices.

Observation:

  • Two cases of catheter embolization into the right heart from implanted venous access devices are presented.
  • Causes identified were O-ring slippage and spontaneous catheter fracture at the clavicle-first rib junction.
  • Symptoms included chest discomfort, right upper quadrant pain, and nausea.

Findings:

  • Both embolized catheter fragments were successfully removed percutaneously without complications.
  • Radiographic evidence identified risk factors like O-ring slippage and catheter kinking.
  • Resolution of symptoms, including an extra heart sound, was observed post-removal.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of careful device assessment and patient monitoring for venous access devices.
  • Underscores the efficacy of percutaneous retrieval for catheter emboli.
  • Informs clinicians about potential failure modes and clinical presentations of catheter embolization.

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