Late Embolization of an Unfractured Port Catheter into the Heart: Report of a Case

Abstract.

This case report describes the embolization of an unfractured venous port catheter, 18 months after its implantation into the heart. To our knowledge, this complication has never been documented before. A 33-year-old woman underwent placement of a totally implantable venous access port for chemotherapy to treat advanced gastric cancer. The catheter tip was repositioned by a transfemoral sling after dislocation into the right jugular vein 2 months before embolization. After embolization into the heart, the catheter was successfully removed by a percutaneous femoral vein approach using a dormia basket. As totally implantable venous access ports become used more frequently, problems associated with their extended use will be encountered.