Detachment and embolization of totally implantable central venous access devices: diagnosis and management

Detachment and embolization (DE) is a rare complication of totally implantable central venous access devices (TIVADs). This study aimed to analyze clinical findings, etiology, and treatment options in DE of TIVADs.

Patients who experienced DE between 2010-2019 were included. Indications, implantation techniques, time to diagnosis, patient complaints, diagnostic methods, rupture site, location of embolization, treatment methods, and chest X-rays prior to detachment were analyzed retrospectively.

DE of TIVAD was detected in 12(1.2%) patients. Eleven patients had breast cancer and one had colon cancer. Mean age at implantation was 45.3 ± 9.6(31-61.3) years. Seven (58%) patients were asymptomatic, four (33.3%) had TIVAD malfunction, and one (8.3%) had pain and swelling at port site after injection. Mean time from implantation to diagnosis was 1149.92(16-2795) days. The etiologies comprised Pinch-off Syndrome (POS) in eight (66%) patients, detachment directly adjacent to the lock mechanism in three (25%) patients, and probable iatrogenic injury during explantation in one (9%) patient. The most common site of embolism was the superior vena cava (25%). While the embolized fragment was removed percutaneously in 11 patients, medical follow-up was treatment choice for one patient.

DE is a rare complication with an incidence rate of 1.2% in this study. Since most patients were asymptomatic, chest radiography plays an important role in diagnosis. The most common cause was POS, and it can be prevented by inserting the catheter from lateral third of the clavicle during subclavian vein catheterization. The first-choice treatment was percutaneous femoral retrieval. However, if not technically possible, alternative treatment options are thoracotomy or follow-up with anticoagulant therapy.