Percutaneous retrieval of embolized umbilical arterial catheter in extreme premature infant

Abstract

Background: Umbilical arterial catheterization is a common procedure performed on critically ill neonates, especially those with extreme prematurity. Various complications have been described following umbilical artery catheter (UAC) placement including thrombosis, embolism, vasospasm, vascular perforation, hemorrhage, and infection. However, treatment of these complications is challenging due to the small size of this very fragile subset of patients. Methods: A 3-day old extremely preterm infant was referred to our institution for percutaneous removal of a fragmented and embolized umbilical arterial catheter. Results: Catheter retrieval was successful via a carotid approach utilizing techniques from percutaneous closure of PDA in preterm infants and trans-carotid access for PDA stent and aortic interventions. Conclusion: This case report describes the successful percutaneous retrieval of an embolized UAC fragment in an extremely preterm infant, the smallest documented in literature to date.