Endovascular Retrieval of a Detached and Dislocated Venous Port Catheter in the Right Heart Chamber Using a...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Central venous catheters, such as port-a-catheter devices, are crucial for long-term therapies but can be associated with complications.
• Device migration, particularly to cardiac chambers, is a rare but serious complication requiring prompt management.

Observation:

• A patient with inoperable pancreatic cancer and hepatic metastases experienced accidental detachment of a port-a-catheter during attempted removal.
• The catheter migrated from the right subclavian vein to the superior vena cava and right cardiac chambers.

Findings:

• A percutaneous retrieval of the migrated port-a-catheter was successfully performed using a triple-snare-loop device via femoral vein access.
• The procedure was conducted under local anesthesia, demonstrating a minimally invasive approach.

Implications:

• This case highlights the feasibility and safety of percutaneous retrieval for intracardiac foreign bodies, specifically migrated central venous catheters.
• Effective management of such complications can be achieved through interventional techniques, avoiding more invasive surgical options.