Percutaneous Endovascular Extraction of a Fractured Central Line Catheter From the Intracardiac Space Utilizing a Snare: A Case Report

Fracture and migration of a central venous catheter is an uncommon but serious complication. Fragments can embolize to the right atrium or ventricle, potentially causing life-threatening arrhythmias, pseudoaneurysms, perforations, or thromboembolism. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a fractured catheter from a prior insertion for buccal mucosa carcinoma. Fluoroscopy revealed the fragment in the right atrium, and it was successfully retrieved via a percutaneous endovascular approach using a snare, without immediate complications. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of endovascular retrieval for such critical events.

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98416
Primary Topic
Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Percutaneous Endovascular Extraction of a Fractured Central Line Catheter From the Intracardiac Space Utilizing a Snare: A Case Report

Cureus
Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis
article

Percutaneous Endovascular Extraction of a Fractured Central Line Catheter From the Intracardiac Space Utilizing a Snare: A Case Report

article en

Abstract

Fracture and migration of a central venous catheter is an uncommon but serious complication. Fragments can embolize to the right atrium or ventricle, potentially causing life-threatening arrhythmias, pseudoaneurysms, perforations, or thromboembolism. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a fractured catheter from a prior insertion for buccal mucosa carcinoma. Fluoroscopy revealed the fragment in the right atrium, and it was successfully retrieved via a percutaneous endovascular approach using a snare, without immediate complications. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of endovascular retrieval for such critical events.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Manipal Hospital (IN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 30%
Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.