Catheter fragments embolization

Although the use of central venous silicone catheters is widespread, little is known about the incidence of catheter rupture and embolization. Over a three-year period, 3916 silicone catheters were inserted in 3672 patients in the authors' hospital. Catheter or catheter fragments embolism occurred in 4 patients (1.2 embolizations per 1000 patients treated). Inappropriate mechanical deobstruction attempts resulted in 2 embolizations, and hence, these should be avoided. Chest roentgenography failed to detect the small fragments within the heart silhouette in 2 cases. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed the separated catheter fragment in all 4 cases. All four catheter fragments were subsequently removed from the right-heart chambers.