Mediastinal haematoma: a rare complication following insertion of central venous catheter

Mediastinal haematoma is a rare complication following insertion of central venous catheter, with few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of mediastinal haematoma in a 33-year-old male patient with end-stage renal disease. In this patient central venous catheter insertion through the right subclavian vein was attempted on the operation table for renal transplantation but the procedure was abandoned as the attempt was unsuccessful. Post-procedure chest radiograph showed a large mediastinal haematoma occupying right hemithorax that developed as a result of injury to the subclavian vein. Patient was managed conservatively and haematoma completely resolved in four weeks time. This case is being reported to signify the importance of routine obtaining a post-procedure chest radiograph and to state that even large mediastinal haematoma can be managed conservatively in asymptomatic patients.     

Inadvertent Port: Catheter Placement in Azygos Vein

Totally implantable ports are safe and effective means of venous access for administration of chemotherapy. One of the usual vessels accessed, through which the port is placed, is the subclavian. Herein, we report a case where the central access was obtained through the left subclavian vein. But the catheter when it was placed was found to be in the azygos vein. This was confirmed with dye study. This is the first report of such an occurrence with subclavian access. The catheter was later withdrawn and repositioned in the superior vena cava. We recommend that the entire procedure of catheter placement must be done under fluoroscopy guidance to ensure safe and error-free positioning.     

Endovascular technique using a snare and suture for retrieving a migrated peripherally inserted central catheter in the left pulmonary artery

We report a successful endovascular technique using a snare with a suture for retrieving a migrated broken peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)in a chemotherapy patient.A 62-year-old male received monthly chemotherapy through a central venous port implanted into his right subclavian area.The patient completed chemotherapy without complications 1 mo ago;however,he experienced pain in the right subclavian area during his last chemotherapy session.Computed tomography on that day showed migration of a broken PICC in his left pulmonary artery,for which the patient was admitted to our hospital.We attempted to retrieve the ectopic PICC through the right jugular vein using a gooseneck snare,but were unsuccessful because the catheter was lodged in the pulmonary artery wall.Therefore,a second attempt was made through the right femoral vein using a snare with triple loops,but we could not grasp the migrated PICC.Finally,a string was tied to thetop of the snare,allowing us to curve the snare toward the pulmonary artery by pulling the string.Finally,the catheter body was grasped and retrieved.The endovascular suture technique is occasionally extremely useful and should be considered by interventional cardiologists for retrieving migrated catheters.     

Percutaneous arterial closure for inadvertent cannulation of the subclavian artery--a call for caution

An uncommon occurrence during central venous catheterization, inadvertent arterial sheath placement can cause potentially serious complications. When the subclavian artery is inadvertently cannulated, catheter removal may be complicated by significant hemorrhage due to its noncompressible location. We report a case of inadvertent insertion of a 7 Fr central venous catheter into the subclavian artery of a patient with severe kyphoscoliosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. The catheter was successfully removed, however the initial attempt at closure device deployment resulted in abrupt closure of the subclavian artery. Prompt angiography and balloon inflation via an already present sheath in the brachiocephalic artery resulted in restoration of flow and successful closure at the puncture site with the collagen-based vascular closure device was confirmed. This averted an otherwise urgent surgical sheath removal and arteriotomy repair in an extremely high-risk patient who was deemed a poor candidate for open surgical repair.     

Horner's syndrome secondary to hydromediastinum. A complication of extravascular migration of a central venous catheter

We report the findings in a patient who developed Horner's syndrome as the first manifestation of mediastinal migration of a central venous catheter that resulted in hydromediastinum and hydrothorax. The pathogenesis of this complication of central venous catheterization is discussed.     

Pneumococcal bacteremia associated with an infected central venous catheter

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) bacteremia is a serious infection. Pneumococcus has never been implicated as a cause of a central venous catheter-related bacteremia. It has been isolated from the catheter tip only twice before, and in one case caused the infection of an infusion port device. We report case of a 41-year-old woman who developed pneumococcal bacteremia after 6 days of an indwelling central venous catheter. The catheter tip grew > 300 cfu of S pneumoniae by the roll-plate method described by Maki and colleagues. No other focus of infection could be found in this patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pneumococcal bacteremia associated with an infected central venous catheter.     

Successful treatment of central venous catheter induced superior vena cava syndrome with ultrasound accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome results from obstruction of flow through the vessel either by external compression or thrombosis. External compression by intrathoracic neoplasms is the most common etiology, especially lung cancer and lymphoma. Thrombosis is becoming increasingly common due to the use of indwelling catheters and implantable central venous access devices. Most patients are unresponsive to anticoagulation alone which appears to be effective only in the mildest cases. However, recent advances in catheter‐based interventions have led to the development of a variety of minimally invasive endovascular strategies to remove venous thrombus and accepted as an important first‐line treatment given its high overall success rate and low morbidity as compared with medical and surgical treatments. Ultrasound accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis (UACDT) has been developed to rapidly and completely resolve the existing thrombus. This technique integrates high frequency, low intensity ultrasound (US) with standard CDT in order to accelerate clot dissolution, reducing treatment time and the incidence of thrombolysis‐related complications. An US wave enhances drug permeation through thrombus by disaggregating the fibrin matrix, exposing additional plasminogen receptor sites to the thrombolytic agent. The US energy affects thrombus in the entire venous segment, increasing the probability of complete thrombus clearing. We report the case of a 56‐year‐old man who presented with a 5 days history of SVC syndrome symptoms who had been receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer through a right subclavian vein port catheter. The patient successfully treated with UACDT with EkoSonic^® Mach4e Endovascular device with an overnight infusion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Factor V Leiden in central venous catheter-associated thrombosis

Subclavian vein thrombosis is a well-recognized complication following central venous catheter insertion and is associated with significant morbidity. The factor V Leiden mutation is an important risk factor for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Whether this mutation also predisposes patients fitted with a central venous catheter to subclavian vein thrombosis is not known. The occurrence of central venous catheter-associated thrombosis was investigated in 277 consecutive patients receiving an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. All patients received a tunnelled double or triple catheter positioned in the subclavian vein. Catheter-associated thrombosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs of thrombosis, i.e. swelling and/or redness of the limb or venous engorgement and was confirmed with a colour-flow Doppler ultrasound. Thirteen patients were heterozygous for the factor V Leiden mutation. Seven of these patients had a subclavian vein thrombosis (54%), while this occurred in only 9% of the factor V Leiden-negative patients, corresponding with a relative risk of 7.7 (95% CI 3.3-17.9). Factor V Leiden is attributable for 17.3% of all thrombosis in patients with central venous catheters. The majority of patients with the factor V Leiden mutation with a central venous catheter will develop thrombosis. Patients with a factor V Leiden mutation should receive adequate thrombosis prophylaxis upon catheter introduction and the catheter should be removed immediately after the treatment. Based on this very high risk, we advise testing for factor V Leiden in all bone marrow transplantation patients receiving a central venous catheter.     

Fibrin Sheath Angioplasty: A Technique to Prevent Superior Vena Cava Stenosis Secondary to Dialysis Catheters

Fibrin sheaths are a heterogeneous matrix of cells and debris that form around catheters and are a known cause of central venous stenosis and catheter failure. A total of 50 cases of central venous catheter fibrin sheath angioplasty (FSA) after catheter removal or exchange are presented. A retrospective review of an outpatient office database identified 70 eligible patients over a 19-month period. After informed consent was obtained, the dialysis catheter exiting the skin was clamped, amputated, and a wire was inserted. The catheter was then removed and a 9-French sheath was inserted into the superior vena cava, a venogram was performed. If a fibrin sheath was present, angioplasty was performed using an 8 × 4 or 10 × 4 balloon along the entire length of the fibrin sheath. A completion venogram was performed to document obliteration of the sheath. During the study, 50 patients were diagnosed with a fibrin sheath, and 43 had no pre-existing central venous stenosis. After FSA, 39 of the 43 patient''s (91%) central systems remained patent without the need for subsequent interventions; 3 patients (7%) developed subclavian stenoses requiring repeat angioplasty and stenting; 1 patent (2.3%) developed an occlusion requiring a reintervention. Seven patients with prior central stenosis required multiple angioplasties; five required stenting of their central lesions. Every patient had follow-up fistulograms to document long-term patency. We propose that FSA is a prudent and safe procedure that may help reduce the risk of central venous stenosis from fibrin sheaths due to central venous catheters.     

Cardiac tamponade and contralateral hemothorax after subclavian vein catheterization

A patient developed life-threatening cardiac tamponade and contralateral hemothorax after insertion of a subclavian catheter in the operating room. Contrast was infused through the catheter, demonstrating its malposition in the pericardial space. Contrast infusion was valuable in evaluating this complication of central line placement.     

Spectrum of upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis in a community teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to characterize the spectrum of upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis in a community teaching hospital. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective analysis was used at a large urban teaching hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 90 patients with ultrasound-documented thrombosis of the internal jugular, subclavian, axillary, or brachial veins to determine clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcome. RESULTS: The most common underlying conditions associated with upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis were the presence of a central venous catheter in 65 patients (72%), infection in 25 (28%), extrathoracic malignancy in 20 (22%), thoracic malignancy in 19 (21%), renal failure in 19 (21%), and a prior lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis in 16 (18%). Pain was noted in 31 (34%) patients, and 76 patients (84%) had edema of the involved extremity. The left subclavian vein was involved in 44 patients (49%), and 35 patients (39%) had a central venous catheter in the left subclavian vein. When a central venous catheter was present, the deep venous thrombosis was usually ipsilateral (P <.001). Heparin and warfarin were administered to 65 (72%) and 53 (59%) of the patients, respectively. Eleven patients (12%) died. Of these patients, 8 (73%) had an underlying infection, whereas only 22% of survivors had an infection (P =.0012). CONCLUSION: Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis typically occurs in patients with a systemic illness in the presence of a central venous catheter. The left subclavian vein is frequently involved because this is a common site for placement of a central venous catheter. Pain is uncommon, but edema of the involved extremity is noted in the majority of patients. The mortality rate of patients in this study with an upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis was 12%; most patients who died had a central venous catheter and an underlying infection.     

Phlebography in long-term catheterization of the subclavian vein. A retrospective study in patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders.

The frequency of superior central venous thrombosis was studied in a consecutive retrospective series of 27 patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders in whom long-term catheterization of the subclavian vein for parenteral nutrition was carried out. The patients had 35 periods of catheterization ranging from 14 to 766, mean 86, days and a total of 51 catheter periods. Only one patient showed clinical signs of thrombosis in spite of phlebographic findings revealing seven cases of central venous thrombosis. Recanalization was not seen. Exchange of catheter was performed 17 times in 10 patients using the Seldinger technique. This did not influence thrombosis rate. Septicaemia was found in five patients subsiding after catheter exchange. No fatalities occurred, and no correlation between the septicaemia and thrombosis rate was found. Catheters used for more than 100 days showed changes of mechanical properties. It is therefore advisable to exchange catheters after 3 months' use by the Seldinger technique. The discrepancy between the clinical and phlebographic findings emphasizes that repeated subclavian catheterization should be preceded by bilateral phlebography.     

Totally implanted system for intravenous chemotherapy in patients with cancer

A totally implanted system for improved central venous access has been investigated in 20 patients with cancer (six with solid tumors, four with leukemia, and 10 with lymphoma) who were treated with aggressive chemotherapy regimens and who lacked peripheral venous sites. The system is implanted using local anesthesia and consists of a subcutaneous injection port connected to a Silastic catheter threaded through the subclavian vein into the superior vena cava. Injections and continuous infusions (for up to three weeks) of virtually all classes of antineoplastic agents, antibiotics, blood components, and intravenous solutions were administered through the system. The system was filled with heparinized saline and not otherwise flushed between uses. The system has remained functional for periods exceeding 450 days (mean 235 days). There was no significant local irritation and no system became infected. None of 18 large-bore catheters (0.63 mm lumen) became occluded (seven to 300 days), whereas five of six small-bore catheters (0.38 mm lumen) became occluded (90 to 420 days). Three of the occluded systems were replaced. Acceptance has been excellent, and patients have had no impediment to normal activities. This system appears to be an alternate means of safe and reliable central venous access with improved convenience and cosmetic acceptability.     

Successful Permanent Catheter Implantation After Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty to the Right Subclavian and Inominate Vein Stenosis in a Hemodialysis Patient

Difficulties in gaining vascular access have become one of the major problems in long-term hemodialysis patients. We report a case with an extreme vascular access problem, which was solved by the placement of a permanent central vein catheter after successful angioplasty to the right subclavian and inominate vein stenosis. A 78-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease due to diabetic nephropathy had been on hemodialysis since 1982. She had a history of four procedures that created an arteriovenous fistula during the first four years. In 1986 she was switched to peritoneal dialysis. However, hemodialysis was restarted with a regular arteriovenous fistula in 1991 because of repeated peritonitis, and from 1993 a superficialized brachial artery was used until the artery was exhausted. Since 1997, a permanent central vein catheter was utilized and reinsertion was required four times due to catheter infection during a 6-year period. In 2004, difficulty was experienced in reinserting a new central venous catheter because of multiple stenotic and occlusive lesions of the central veins. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was carried out in the stenotic right subclavian and inominate veins, and after successful angioplasty, a permanent central vein catheter could be placed into the right subclavian vein as a vascular access for hemodialysis. Pretreatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the stenotic central veins before inserting a permanent catheter may be a useful strategy in patients that experience difficulty in the insertion of a catheter.     

Placement of a pulmonary artery catheter via a previously unrecognized persistent left superior vena cava

This case report describes a patient with persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) as discovered by difficult placement of a pulmonary artery catheter via the left subclavian vein. After positioning in wedge position, chest x-ray showed a catheter route suggestive of persistent LSVC. Since this abnormality may yield potential clinical complications, this possibility should be considered in every difficult central venous access.     

Venobronchial fistula: a complication associated with central venous catheterization for chemotherapy

We report a case in which a venobronchial fistula developed 4 months after insertion of a silicone rubber chronic central venous catheter for chemotherapy administration. In retrospect, the tip of the catheter was in the azygous vein rather than in the superior vena cava. The suboptimal position of the catheter tip, in combination with the infusion of sclerosing chemotherapeutic agents and hyperalimentation solution, may have predisposed the patient to this complication. Accurate localization of the tip of central venous catheters at the time of placement should minimize catheter-related complications, including the rare complication of venobronchial fistula. After placement of chronic central venous catheters, biplanar chest X-rays should be obtained to determine catheter tip location prior to the instillation of chemotherapeutic agents. Any residual questions concerning the catheter tip location after biplanar X-rays should be addressed by prompt venography through the catheter.     

Positional ventricular tachycardia from a fractured mediport catheter with right ventricular migration--a case report

The totally implantable catheter system has gained popularity as venous access when prolonged treatment is needed. Despite its frequent use, intravascular fracture and embolization of catheter fragments from implantable venous port-catheter systems present a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Any implanted catheters should therefore be removed after completion of the treatment or the system's integrity should be monitored on a regular basis. This report illustrates such a case, which presented with ventricular tachycardia triggered by changes in body position from a fractured Mediport catheter with cardiac migration. A 34-year-old woman had a venous port catheter (Mediport) implanted into the right subclavian vein for neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Owing to the patient's difficult venous access the catheter was left in situ after treatment. Three years after insertion of the Mediport she presented with shortness of breath and palpitations when lying in the left lateral position. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities. An electrocardiogram was within normal rhythm. An outpatient Holter monitor revealed multiple episodes of nonsustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia triggered by lying in the left lateral position. A chest radiograph showed a normal location of the port-system, but the distal fragment of the catheter had embolized into the right ventricle. The embolized fragment was extracted with a gooseneck snare technique and the reservoir of the system was removed under local anesthesia without any complications. The patient was free of symptoms at 7 seven months follow-up.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of fast pathway via unconventional right subclavian venous access for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

We report the case of a patient with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), who was found to have obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by a calcified mass during an electrophysiologic study (EPS). Subsequently, complete EPS was performed via a combined right internal jugular and subclavian venous access. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of the fast pathway was performed via the unconventional right subclavian venous route.     

Prospective, randomized trial of rapid venous access for patients in hypovolemic shock

The placement of central venous catheters was studied prospectively in 138 selected adult patients with hypovolemic shock or in whom rapid volume replacement was needed. The patients were randomized into two groups to receive a central vein catheter: one by basilic vein cutdown and the other by percutaneous subclavian vein placement. The groups were analyzed for success rate, time required for insertion, and complications. The techniques were equally successful (87% in the basilic vein group compared with 91% in the subclavian vein group), and their complication rates were similar (10% compared with 12%). The subclavian vein catheter was inserted more quickly (8.3 minutes compared with 14.4 minutes [P = .0001] for the basilic vein group). Percutaneous subclavian vein catheters can be used successfully in patients with hypovolemic shock and can be place quickly with low complication rates.     

Alternative approaches to right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy

Cardiologists are performing endomyocardial biopsy procedures with increasing frequency, particularly in patients who have undergone cardiac transplantation. Because of the necessity for performing multiple biopsies in many of these patients and the subsequent complications that may arise, we have developed a simple and efficient technique for obtaining endomyocardial biopsy samples. As an alternative to retrieving biopsy samples by the conventional right internal jugular or femoral venous approach, we use the right or left internal jugular or subclavian approach. The procedure utilizes a 7 Fr 35 cm sheath and dilator system placed into the right ventricle over a balloon-tipped catheter. After the sheath is positioned via either the internal jugular or subclavian vein, multiple samples can be obtained with standard available bioptomes. The sheath may then be exchanged for a triple-lumen catheter if desired. This approach permits routine changing of the central venous access lines within the sterile confines of the catheterization laboratory, with minimal discomfort to patients. We believe that this method represents an important alternative to conventional biopsy techniques.