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.
Authors
- William F. Amaya Zúñiga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0184-1752)
- Daniel Benitez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9461-4422)
- María Fernanda Cifuentes Ortiz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6456-0019)
- Roosevelt Fajardo-Gómez
- Nohra Romero-Vanegas
Institutions
- Universidad de Los Andes (CO)
- Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (CO)
- Universidad del Rosario (CO)
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
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00