Asymptomatic Spontaneous Migration of the Tip of Port-A-Cath System Into the Right Internal Jugular Vein: A Case Report of an Uncommon Complication

Abstract

Venous port catheters are devices that allow access to the central venous system and, in clinical practice, are used for patients who require long-term intravenous therapy. The ideal position of the catheter tip is the distal superior vena cava and can be confirmed by a postoperative chest X-ray. Complications during and after the implantation are not rare, but spontaneous migration of the catheter tip into the internal jugular vein is an uncommon complication. Catheter migration may be accompanied by neck, shoulder, and ear pain. Venous phlebitis and thrombosis, and neurological complications, can become potentially lifethreatening. We report a case of a spontaneous catheter tip migration into the right internal jugular vein that was diagnosed in a random chest roentgenography. The patient was taken to the operative room, and the catheter was successfully removed.

Endovascular Retrieval of a Detached and Dislocated in the Right Heart Chambers' Venous Port Catheter via a Triple-Loop Snare Device

“…Central venous port-a-catheters should be heparinized regularly, using a 10 mL syringe immediately after each use or monthly in case of inactivity [ 1 ]. Regular chest radiography is recommended to determine the proper position of the catheter and any complications that may arise [ 2 ]. Digital subtraction angiography with contrast medium injection is the gold standard for diagnosing port-a-catheter complications [ 6 ].…”

“…The implantation of these devices is recommended for patients who need long-term intravenous therapy, particularly in cancer patients who are frail and require the delivery of chemotherapeutic-cytotoxic drugs (administered in solutions with high osmolality) [ 1 , 2 ]. These drugs have a well-known sclerosing effect on peripheral vessels, and the use of a venous port catheter can reduce the need for frequent blood sampling [ 1 , 3 ].…”