Abstract
We present a case of distal venous embolisation of a peripheral intravenous cannula tip that had lost its structural integrity through repeated failed attempts of insertion of the same cannula, contrary to protocols for intravenous access. Radiological imaging confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the middle finger and the patient was brought to theatre. A 2.2cm long catheter tube was removed via a venotomy from the dorsal digital vein.
Highlights
Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a very common procedure, performed daily by medical, paramedical and nursing staff.[1]
We wish to report a case of a broken intravenous catheter tip presenting as a foreign body embolus secondary to non-compliance with protocols for peripheral venous access.[2]
The patient was returned to theatre and a separate skin incision was made at the radial base of the middle finger, Figure 1 Plain radiography of patient’s right hand demonstrating radio-opaque linear foreign body in soft tissues distal to the cannula insertion site
Summary
Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a very common procedure, performed daily by medical, paramedical and nursing staff.[1]. Venous catheterisation – Peripheral – Embolism – Iatrogenic Accepted 16 December 2012; published online XXX correspondence to Andrew Moorehead, Apartment 8-06, The Arc, 2g Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9FG, UK T: +44 (0)7824 314 141; E: dr_andy1@hotmail.com Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a very common procedure, performed daily by medical, paramedical and nursing staff.[1] We wish to report a case of a broken intravenous catheter tip presenting as a foreign body embolus secondary to non-compliance with protocols for peripheral venous access.[2] first reported in 1954,3 this is a very rare occurrence.
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