title: Cardiac arrhythmia due to subclavian catheter fracture and embolization.
abstract: Implanted venous access devices (VADs) are being used with increasing frequency in clinical practice. The complication rate is low and VADs are generally accepted as being safe. Catheter fracture is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that must be recognized and treated promptly. The present report discusses a case in which the clinical presentation led to early recognition of catheter fracture and embolization, and the subsequent safe removal of the VAD.
authors.affiliation: University of Western Ontarion, London, Canada.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nazareno
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Keith J C
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Finnie
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013350:Subclavian Vein