Rare use of Atrieve Vascular Snare™ for percutaneous transcatheter retrieval of central venous port catheter fragments

Abstract

Central venous port catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) are implanted in the central venous system usually for administration of chemotherapeutic agents and parenteral nutrition [1,2]. Long-term use of these catheters may cause such complications as occlusion, thrombosis, infection, fracture and intravascular dislocation of the catheter [2,3]. The incidence of intravascular dislocation of port catheters is rare( 0-3.1%) [1,3]. Fragments of a fractured port catheter might migrate towards the heart or pulmonary artery and cause embolization in the distal region of the organ resulting in mortality [1,4]. Therefore, port catheter fragments must be retrieved as soon as possible[ 1]. Percutaneous retrieval, removal by open thoracotomy and long-term anticoagulant therapy are the treatment options for fractured port catheters. Among these options, percutaneous transcatheter retrieval is usually a safe and effective method [1,5]. In this study, we report the retrieval of port catheter fragments extending from the superior vena cava to the right cardiac cavities using a three-loop 6F 12-20 mm snare( Atrieve Vascular Snare (TM); Angiotech, Gainesville, FL, United States) in two patients who complained of chest pain.