Ventricular tachycardia secondary to Port-a-Cath® fracture and embolization

Received 17 December 2001; received in revised form 5 June 2002; accepted 24 June 2002.

Abstract

Distal embolization of a fractured indwelling venous access catheter is a known, but rare, complication of these common devices. We report a case of possibly life-threatening tachydysrhythmia caused by an embolized portion of catheter from a totally implanted venous access catheter. Our discussion focuses on review of the literature on the typical presentation and management of this entity, as well as a brief discussion on prevention and risk factors for developing this complication.

Keywords: catheter fracture, embolization, pinch-off sign, totally implanted venous access catheter, ventricular tachycardia, Port-a-Cath®

* Madigan-University of Washington Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington, USA

† Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA

Reprint Address: CPT Mark A. Denny, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431 USA

PII: S0736-4679(02)00664-9

doi:10.1016/S0736-4679(02)00664-9

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