A case of percutaneous retrieval of a catheter without a free end that was fractured during a totally implantable venous access port removal

Abstract

Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) are widely used for chemotherapy and other purposes in patients with cancer. Their convenience and safety make them ideal for long-term use. However, sometimes there are cases in which TIVAPs remain in the vessel following the completion of long-term chemotherapy and are difficult to remove due to the adhesion of the catheter to the vessel wall. In this study, we encountered a case in which a TIVAP catheter adhering to a blood vessel was fractured during removal and the catheter left in the vessel could not be retrieved by a snare because it had no free end. Finally, the catheter was successfully removed using a peel-away sheath. No complications or residual catheters were associated with the removal procedure.

Keywords

• Catheter fracture
• Catheter retrieval
• Peel-away sheath
• Snare
• Totally implantable venous access port