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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Author Spotlight: Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model
Published on: March 31, 2023
Percutaneous retrieval of a port-a-cath using a pigtail catheter combined with snaring technique
Mohsen Mohandes1, Sergio Rojas1, Verónica Quintern1
1Interventional Cardiology Unit, Cardiology Division, Joan XXIII University Hospital, Universitat Rovira Virgili, Calle Dr Mallafré Guasch 4, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
Insights
A retained central venous catheter migrated to the heart and was successfully retrieved using a novel technique. This case highlights a rare complication and an effective percutaneous retrieval method for impacted cardiac catheters.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Central venous catheters are essential for long-term chemotherapy administration.
- Complications include thrombosis, infection, and device migration.
- Catheter migration to the heart is a rare but serious event.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer presented with dyspnea.
- A chest X-ray revealed a migrated catheter lodged in the right heart chambers.
- The catheter was previously removed due to jugular vein thrombosis and device dysfunction.
Findings:
- Percutaneous retrieval of the impacted cardiac catheter was challenging.
- A pig-tail catheter was used to manipulate the catheter loop, freeing the impacted ends.
- Successful retrieval was achieved using a snare after freeing the catheter ends.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a successful percutaneous retrieval of a deeply migrated and impacted central venous catheter.
- The described technique offers a minimally invasive option for managing complex retained intracardiac foreign bodies.
- Highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for late complications of central venous access devices.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer through a port-a-cath inserted in left subclavian vein. The device was withdrawn one year later due to jugular vein thrombosis plus dysfunction of the device. A few years later a chest X-ray for scrutinizing dyspnea showed a catheter located in right heart chambers. Percutaneous retrieval via right subclavian vein was planned. Both catheter ends were impacted against heart structures and were not free to be easily captured by a snare. By using a pig-tail catheter we were able to seize the catheters loop portion and pull it back slightly. Once the catheter ends became free we seized one of the catheter's distal ends with a snare and successfully externalised it.
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