Abstract
This report describes a case of catheter embolization in a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma who had a totally implantable catheter positioned for administration of chemotherapy. The catheter transected as it entered the subclavian vein, and a fragment lodged in the heart and pulmonary outflow tract. The catheter fragment was successfully withdrawn by use of a pigtail catheter with an attached guidewire. Fortunately, the patient was asymptomatic during the three days in which the catheter fragment was retained. Since a high incidence of serious or fatal complicatons has been reported to be associated with retained catheter fragments, rapid removal is mandatory and percutaneous retrieval techniques are preferable.
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