Shunt catheter impacted in the vena cava. Case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Management

Background:

• Central venous catheters are essential for shunt-dependent patients.
• Catheter adherence in the superior vena cava can complicate removal.

Observation:

• A shunt-dependent patient presented with an atrial catheter firmly adhered in the superior vena cava.
• Standard removal techniques were insufficient.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention via thoracotomy was necessary for catheter extraction.
• This approach successfully resolved the adherence issue.

Implications:

• Thoracotomy may be a necessary intervention for severely adhered central venous catheters.
• Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial for managing indwelling devices.