Central Migration of Tunneled Dialysis Catheter into Right Ventricle causing Positional Superior Vena Cava Obstruction: A Case Report

Abstract

Tunneled dialysis catheters placement under real-time ultrasound guidance using the internal jugular route is considered to be a relatively simple and straightforward procedure, though its insertion and maintenance are not entirely risk-free. A literature search is full of reports describing various complications dialysis catheters placement; however, a central displacement of the catheter months after insertion is not described in the past. This case report highlights a case of the central migration of tunneled dialysis catheters and emphasizes the importance of close monitoring of the position of these catheters.

An Unusual Complication of Height Loss in an Elderly Patient

“…Central migration can give rise to complications including atrial mural thrombus, perforation, arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, pleural effusion and Superior Vena Cava (SVC) obstruction [4][5][6]. There has been a previous case report of delayed catheter tip migration into right ventricle causing SVC obstruction [7]. Here we describe an asymptomatic incidentally discovered case of dialysis catheter tip migration into the right ventricle caused by a loss vertebral height.…”