A Case of Percutaneous Retrieval of Broken CV Catheter without Free Ends That Migrated into the Right Atrium Using Ablation Catheter

Abstract

A case of a broken catheter fragment without free ends that was removed percutaneously is reported. A patient in his 70's had an indwelling central venous port system (CV port) for lung and colorectal cancer chemotherapy. The migrated catheter was difficult to capture with a common retrieval device, because neither ends of the catheter had any free ends. After moving the catheter to the IVC using an ablation catheter, successful retrieval was achieved. Ablation catheters appear to be useful for retrieving catheters without free ends that have migrated into the right atrium.