[Intravascular rupture of a central venous catheter in a premature infant: retrieval by a nonsurgical technique]

Abstract

Central venous access is a frequent procedure in pediatric intensive care and neonatology. Catheter fracture with migration of the distal portion into the vessels is rare but may have side effects such as thrombosis.

Case report: We report the case of a premature infant who had at three weeks of age a retained central venous catheter fragment in the pulmonary artery. The fragment was successfully retrieved by a percutaneous endovascular technique. No complication was observed during the procedure and afterward.

Conclusion: This technique has avoided either delicate surgery or thrombotic risk due to a persistent intravascular foreign body. The authors prompted this interventional procedure within 36 hours after catheter migration in a center experienced in neonatal interventional catheterization.