title: Spontaneous fracture and embolization of a central venous catheter: prevention and early detection.
abstract: Central venous catheters are used increasingly in oncology patients. Spontaneous fracture and embolization of a catheter is a rare complication. This report illustrates such a case, in which the fragment was retrieved percutaneously. Impending line fracture may be detected by the 'pinch-off sign' on a chest radiograph. Prevention may be possible by inserting the catheter more laterally.
authors.affiliation: Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Coles
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Whitear
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Le Vay
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D013350:Subclavian Vein; D013499:Surface Properties; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology