"Spontaneous" catheter fracture and embolization of a totally implanted venous access port

Neth J Med. 1991 Jun;38(5-6):262-4.

Abstract

A case of "spontaneous" fracture of the catheter of a totally implanted venous access device is reported. The distal part of the catheter migrated into a pulmonary artery branch and could not be retrieved. The cause and consequences of this rare complication are discussed. It is emphasized that the integrity of a totally implanted venous access device should be ascertained before cytostatic agents are administered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Catheters, Indwelling*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / complications*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*