Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device that migrated into the left atrium across a patent foramen ovale

Migration of a totally implantable venous access port into the cardiac chambers can lead to a wide range of potentially serious complications. Malpositioned devices require thorough clinical assessment and timely intervention to minimize associated risks. We report the case of a patient whose catheter tip migrated across a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. Because prompt surgical repositioning was required, conscious sedation and real-time transesophageal echocardiography were utilized to provide precise guidance. This approach enabled safe catheter withdrawal, accurate repositioning within the superior vena cava, and immediate confirmation of catheter function using a saline flush test.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Journal of Vascular Access
Published
2026-08-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/11297298261475792
Primary Topic
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
Type
article
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article

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device that migrated into the left atrium across a patent foramen ovale

William F. Amaya Zúñiga, Daniel Benitez, María Fernanda Cifuentes Ortiz, Roosevelt Fajardo-Gómez et al.
The Journal of Vascular Access
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
article

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device that migrated into the left atrium across a patent foramen ovale

William F. Amaya Zúñiga, Daniel Benitez, María Fernanda Cifuentes Ortiz, Roosevelt Fajardo-Gómez, Nohra Romero-Vanegas
article en

Abstract

Migration of a totally implantable venous access port into the cardiac chambers can lead to a wide range of potentially serious complications. Malpositioned devices require thorough clinical assessment and timely intervention to minimize associated risks. We report the case of a patient whose catheter tip migrated across a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. Because prompt surgical repositioning was required, conscious sedation and real-time transesophageal echocardiography were utilized to provide precise guidance. This approach enabled safe catheter withdrawal, accurate repositioning within the superior vena cava, and immediate confirmation of catheter function using a saline flush test.

The Journal of Vascular Access
Universidad de Los Andes (CO), Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (CO), Universidad del Rosario (CO)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
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