title: Catheter fracture and embolization from totally implanted venous access ports--case reports.
abstract: Totally implanted venous access ports are excellent devices for delivering chemotherapeutic agents and prolonged intravenous infusions in patients with cancer. Catheter fracture and embolization are rare and potentially serious complications of these widely used devices. Retrieval of the embolized fragment is generally indicated but may not be possible. The authors report three cases of catheter embolization in their center over a period of 9 years. Catheter "pinch-off," fracture, embolization, and retrieval are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Missouri/Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Columbia 65203, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vadlamani
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dawn
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic