Fracture and cardiac migration of an implanted venous catheter.
OBJECTIVE
Distal embolization of a fractured indwelling central catheter is a rare life-threatening complication. Interventional radiologic techniques are often successfully used to retrieve the fractured tip but in rare cases, a surgical intervention is needed.


METHODS
We present a case in which radiologic methods failed to remove the embolized fragment because of multiple venous occlusions, and a cardiotomy was finally necessary.


RESULTS
After right atriotomy, the fractured embolized tip was successfully removed, as well as the proximal portion.


CONCLUSIONS
Implanted catheters should be removed after completion of treatment, or the integrity of the system should be monitored on a regular basis.
Sattari
Maryam
M
Department of Internal Medicine, McLeod Medical Center, Florence, SC, USA.
Kazory
Amir
A
Phillips
Robert A
RA