Fracture of the Port Catheter and Migration Into the Coronary Sinus: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Comparison between arm port and chest port: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of arm ports (APs) and chest ports (CPs) in clinical practice.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and retrospective studies were searched in both English and Chinese databases, encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Database, and SinoMed up to November 27, 2023. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15.0.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, including two RCTs, three cohort studies, and twelve case-control studies, were finally included, involving a total of 4168 participants, with 2151 participants in the CP group and 2017 in the AP group. The meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference between CP and AP in the incidence rates of infections [OR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.68, 1.41)], catheter occlusion[OR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.55, 1.64)], thrombosis [OR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.60, 1.21)], exudation [OR = 1.32, 95% CI (0.52, 3.36)], fibrin sheath [OR = 1.68, 95% CI (0.46, 6.19)], catheter malposition [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.30, 1.29)], fracture[OR = 1.84, 95% CI (0.49, 6.96)], pneumothorax [OR = 5.73, 95% CI (0.94, 35.11)], and malfunction [OR = 1.87, 95% CI (0.65, 5.42)].

CONCLUSION

This study reveals no significant differences in the incidence of infections, catheter occlusion, thrombosis, exudation, fibrin sheath, catheter malposition, fracture, pneumothorax, and malfunction between the two implanted venous access ports. Thus, it can be concluded that AP is as safe as CP.

A fragmented segment of a central venous catheter caused delayed ventricular fibrillation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Central venous port systems may be safely used for chemotherapy of patients with cancer, but several complications may occur associated with their use.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 83-year-old man with heat stroke was transferred to our emergency department, where he was treated and became able to eat on the same day. He had been fit and healthy, except for colorectomy and chemotherapy using a central venous access port placed in the right upper jugular vein 8 years ago. The next day, he suddenly had ventricular fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was successful. Emergency coronary angiography showed a catheter-like foreign body in the coronary sinus. Physicians failed to remove the foreign body using catheter therapy, and ventricular fibrillation occurred repeatedly. After induction of general anesthesia, the fractured catheter was removed surgically. Postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

A fragmented segment of a catheter may suddenly cause ventricular fibrillation years later.

Effectiveness of mechanical recanalization for intraluminal occlusion of totally implantable venous access ports

PURPOSE

To evaluate if the mechanical injection of saline is effective in restoring patency of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) with an intraluminal occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2017 to June 2019, 64 cases of dysfunction of a TIVAP were referred to interventional radiology. Among these, 16 cases showed normal function of the TIVAP, 19 cases the showed the appearance of a fibroblastic sheath, and 29 cases showed intraluminal occlusion. Mechanical recanalization was performed for intraluminal occlusion of the TIVAP with an indeflator and a 20G non-coring needle. Linograms were performed in all recanalized cases. The success or failure of recanalization and the pressure of the indeflator were recorded. Linograms were evaluated for breakage or migration of catheters. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Among the 29 intraluminal occlusion cases, 24 cases (82.7%) were recanalized by mechanical recanalization via an indeflator. The pressure of the indeflator ranged from 29 to 220 psi (median: 118 psi). Linograms revealed breakage of the catheter of the TIVAP in two failed cases. The median interval from implantation to dysfunction was 405 days (range: 43-1723 days). The median interval from last use to dysfunction was 8 days (mean: 15.4 days; range: 1-119 days). The median re-occlusion free period after successful mechanical recanalization was 100.5 days (range: 6-859 days).

CONCLUSION

In the absence of an available thrombolytic agent, mechanical injection of saline was a tolerable alternative method for restoring occluded catheters and sustaining the function of catheters. Because breakage of the catheter can occur during mechanical recanalization of a TIVAP, a linogram should follow the procedure.

Successful recovery of central venous catheter fragment from coronary venous sinus and right ventricle: A case report

Catheter fracture with subsequent embolization is a well known but a potentially serious late complication of central venous catheter placement. Central venous catheters are frequently implanted for the purpose of chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. Most common vein used for the placement of central venous catheter is subclavian vein. According to case reports, catheter placed in subclavian vein is vulnerable for fracture and is often preceded by the "pinch-off sign", first described by Aikten and Minton. It is due to shearing forces between the clavicle and first rib. Broken catheter frequently embolises to Right atrium, Right Ventricle, Inferior vena cava, Pulmonary arteries and rarely into Coronary sinus. Migration to Coronary sinus is very uncommon and only 5 cases are reported in the literature as of now. We are presenting an unusual case where chemoport catheter severed and lodged partly in coronary venous sinus and partly in right ventricle taking a "U "shape. Fragment was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a snare after straightening it with a pigtail catheter. Though majority of patients deny symptoms however, some do have symptoms or complications. Catheter fragment can lead to arrhythmias, thrombosis, infection and perforation. Thrombosis of coronary sinus is a life threatening complication. Regular follow up with Chest x ray may recognize the fracture and embolization much earlier. In almost all cases the migrated portion can be retrieved safely percutaneously without recourse to surgery.