Percutaneous removal of a broken central venous catheter from the right atrium

Abstract

We report a case of a 32 year-old woman in whom catheter was inserted into a jugular internal vein in order to chronically administer antibiotics intravenously. For the next four years the introducer was kept in place. Due to a persistent cough, the chest X-ray was performed, demonstrating the broken introducer. Since a surgical removal did not succeed, a percutaneous procedure via femoral vein was performed successfully. Our case report draws special attention to the necessity of a regular check-up of patients with intravascular introducers.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 2: 153-155