Intravascular embolization of a port-a-cath catheter removed by percutaneous way

• Published in: Gülhane Tip Dergisi 2013-09, Vol.55 (3), p.231
• Main Authors: Barcin, Cem, Kursaklioglu, Hurkan, Balta, Sevket, Kucuk, Ugur, Demirkol, Sait, Yildirim, Vedat
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; tur
• Subjects: Catheters; Embolization
• ISSN: 1302-0471; 2146-8052
• DOI: 10.5455/gulhane.12374

The incidence of intravascular embolization of venous catheters demonstrated in the world medical literature corresponds to 1% of all the reported complications. However, its mortality rate may vary between 24 to 60%. Catheter malfunction is the most likely signal of embolization, since patients are usually asymptomatic. To report the method of removing intravascular foreign bodies, catheters with the use of various endovascular techniques and procedures. Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is considered a gold standard treatment because it is a minimally invasive, relatively simple, safe procedure, with low complication rates compared to conventional surgical treatment. In our case, venous catheter fracture and embolization of the fractured part into the right ventricle were recognised by chest x ray. Fractured part of the catheter was successfully removed through a percutaneous right subclavian vein approach using a pigtail catheter and goose neck snare.