Cardiac arrhythmia due to subclavian catheter fracture and embolization.

Implanted venous access devices (VADs) are being used with increasing frequency in clinical practice. The complication rate is low and VADs are generally accepted as being safe. Catheter fracture is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that must be recognized and treated promptly. The present report discusses a case in which the clinical presentation led to early recognition of catheter fracture and embolization, and the subsequent safe removal of the VAD.