Retrograde embolization of a detached polyethylene catheter

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Increasing use of intravenous polyethylene catheters.
• Risk of catheter breakage and embolization.

Observation:

• A patient experienced a broken catheter fragment.
• Fragment migrated retrogradely from the subclavian vein.
• Migration involved the inferior vena cava and left iliac vein.

Findings:

• Documented retrograde migration of a broken catheter fragment.
• Postulated mechanism for retrograde embolization.

Implications:

• Highlights the risks associated with intravenous catheter use.
• Informs strategies for preventing catheter embolism.
• Guides management of retained catheter fragments.