Abstract
Central venous access is typically required for prolonged administration of intravenous medications. Implantable ports are most frequently used in cancer chemotherapy. The spontaneous fragmentation and embolization of these catheters is not uncommon and can present rare but potentially life-threatening complications such as ventricular tachycardia (VT). We present an adolescent with a 2-week history of intermittent VT unrelated to activity. A chest x-ray confirmed spontaneous fragmentation of the central line and embolization in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. Successful retrieval of the embolized catheter was performed without any complications using the gooseneck snare technique and the patient was free of symptoms at follow up. Chest x-rays can be beneficial in ruling out other causes of VT and in avoiding unnecessary treatment or management.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
