[Percutaneous transluminal extraction of an embolized central venous catheter]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Central venous catheters are essential for long-term venous access.
• Catheter fragment embolism is a rare but serious complication.
• Radio-opaque central venous catheters are used to facilitate visualization.

Observation:

• Two cases are presented where large fragments of transvenously placed central venous catheters fractured.
• These fragments migrated and became lodged in the right atrium.
• Staphylococci were cultured from the retrieved catheter fragments.

Findings:

• Successful percutaneous removal of right atrial catheter fragments was achieved using the Dotter intravascular retriever catheter introduced via the femoral vein.
• The Dotter intravascular retriever catheter proved effective for retrieving intravascular foreign bodies.
• The presence of staphylococci suggests potential catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Implications:

• This case series underscores the utility of the Dotter intravascular retriever catheter for managing central venous catheter fragment complications.
• The findings reinforce the critical importance of using radio-opaque central venous catheters for improved intraprocedural monitoring and complication management.
• Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable patient outcomes in cases of catheter embolism.