Catheter embolization from implanted venous access devices: case reports.

Two cases of catheter embolization from implanted venous access devices are reported and the available literature is reviewed. The catheter from an implanted venous access device migrated into the right heart after slippage of the O-ring, which attaches the catheter to the infusion port. The distal 6 cm of an infusion port catheter embolized to the right heart after spontaneous fracture of the catheter at the point where it passed between the clavicle and first rib. Both catheters were removed percutaneously without complication. Risk factors for embolization were apparent on x-ray films with evidence of O-ring slippage in 1 case an obvious kinking of the catheter in the other. Symptoms of embolization included chest discomfort, right upper quadrant pain, and nausea. In 1 case, an extra heart sound, initially thought to be an S3, disappeared when the catheter was removed.