title: Breakage of an embolized intravascular catheter fragment: a complication of nonsurgical transvenous retrieval.
abstract: The use of permanently implantable central venous catheters may be complicated by catheter fracture and embolism. Nonsurgical retrieval of embolized catheter fragments is well established, and complications are rarely noted. We report a case in which the retrieval technique led to further fracture of a silicone rubber (Silastic) catheter and embolization to the lung. Silastic catheters may be prone to this complication, and appropriate caution during recovery of such catheter fragments is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Bauch
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Stoughton
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pearl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography