Difficulty removing a totally implantable venous access port: A case report

This case report examines the challenges associated with removing a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) used for long-term chemotherapy in a patient with breast cancer. Prolonged use of TIVAPs can result in complications such as catheter kinking, thrombosis, and adhesions between the catheter and surrounding tissues, potentially complicating their removal.

A breast cancer patient with bone metastasis presented with difficulty aspirating blood from a TIVAP that had been placed in the right internal jugular vein for 3 years. Initial removal attempts at the Department of Venous Access Center were unsuccessful, likely due to adhesions, necessitating a subsequent successful catheter extraction in a hybrid operating room. Imaging revealed no abnormalities, and the catheter was removed using a mosquito clamp to detach it from surrounding tissues.

This case highlights the challenges of removing TIVAPs inserted via the internal jugular vein, particularly when the catheter traverses the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Repeated neck movements might lead to significant adhesions around the catheter, complicating its removal. Careful consideration should be given during catheter placement to avoid muscle-related adhesions and facilitate smoother extraction in long-term use.