Fracture and atypical migration of an implantable central venous access device

Distal embolization of a fractured indwelling central catheter is a rare complication. The pinch-off syndrome (POS) should be known, prevented and early detected. We present a case in which further radiological exams were required to find the fragmented catheter with an atypical migration, requiring local surgery for removing. After chest and abdominal CT scan, neck X-ray, and heart echography, the catheter was found on the lower limbs X-ray on the internal side of right knee corresponding to a location of saphenous vein. Implanted catheters should be removed after completion of treatment and the integrity of the system should be monitored. To avoid POS, a catheter must be inserted into the subclavian vein as laterally as possible.