Removal of "ruptured" pulmonary artery infusion port catheter by pigtail catheter combined with gooseneck trap: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Implanted intravenous infusion port (IVAP) is indicated for patients undergoing chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and long-term antibiotic treatment. Among their complications, the rupture and migration of the catheter of an IVAP via internal jugular vein represents a very rare but potentially severe condition. CASE SUMMARY A 43-year-old woman was identified with a spontaneous fracture and migration of catheter of an IVAP via right internal jugular vein after adjuvant chemotherapy for left breast cancer. A computed tomography showed the fractured catheter of the IVAP in the pulmonary artery. Therefore, we conducted an emergency procedure to remove the catheter fragment by a pigtail catheter combined with a gooseneck trap. CONCLUSION When the fractured catheter of an IVAP was detected, the special shape of the pigtail catheter in combination with the gooseneck trap successfully facilitated the removal of the dislodged catheter.