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Spontaneous Migration of Long‐Term Indwelling Venous Catheters
Author(s) -
Digiacomo J. Christopher,
Tarlian Henry S.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607191015005574
Subject(s) - medicine , catheter , parenteral nutrition , surgery , superior vena cava , enteral administration , complication , vein , indwelling catheter , subclavian vein
Our institution recently encountered two patients with an unusual complication of indwelling catheters, spontaneous migration of the catheter tip. Both patients had indwelling subcutaneous ports placed via the left subclavian vein into the superior vena cava for the treatment of breast cancer. Both catheters functioned well but were noted on follow‐up radiographs to have repositioned themselves, one into the azygous vein and the other into the internal jugular vein. One patient required surgical intervention to properly position the catheter for further chemotherapy. Chest roentgenograms are indicated to confirm the continued appropriate position o indwelling catheters when their position is in doubt to minimize the likelihood of complications associated with delivery o caustic chemotherapeutic agents in low flow vessels. ( Journa of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 15: 574–577, 1991)