Spontaneous fragmentation and embolization of chemoport catheter- a case report

Abstract

Central venous access devices are commonly utilized in cancer patients. These devices include central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line), Hickman catheter and totally implantable central venous devices of the port-a-cath type (chemoport). These devices can be retained for a long time and may be used for administration of chemotherapy, blood products, total parenteral nutrition and frequent blood sampling. Complications associated with chemoport include vascular injury, hemothorax, pneumothorax, local site infection, sepsis, catheter thrombosis, drug extravasation and mechanical malfunction. Spontaneous fragmentation of chemoport catheter is a rare complication. We report a case of spontaneous fragmentation of chemoport catheter from its midway and its migration into the lower lobar branch of left pulmonary artery. It was retrieved using percutaneous endovascular approach under fluoroscopic guidance.