Fracture of temporary femoral haemodialysis catheter: our experience

Abstract

We report two similar cases of fracture and proximal migration of temporary femoral haemodialysis catheters. The two cases were encountered 6 years apart. These types of occurrences, especially in centres where catheter reuse is practiced, are not uncommon but seldom reported in the literature. Alert dialysis staff on both the occasions took remedial steps in time, which prevented embolisation of the catheters into the inferior vena cava. Both the catheters were removed successfully by the surgical team.

Removal of Intravascular Foreign Bodies With a Simple Low-Cost Method: A Report of 5 Cases

“…In addition, embolization can trigger other serious complications such as pulmonary embolism, bacterial endocarditis, sepsis, myocardial lesions, and hemoptysis. 1,5,8,11 In our reported cases, the intravascular removal of the foreign bodies was a complete success with a short surgical time and absence of cardiac complications or to the access site. It is believed that the longer the cardiac chambers are manipulated, the greater the chance of arrhythmias and cardiac complications in general.…”

“…Fracture and embolization of hemodialysis catheters is a rare event, with only a few reports and case series. 5,[7][8][9] This lower frequency can be associated to its larger caliber and greater material stiffness. Of the 5 cases reported here, 2 were related to hemodialysis catheters, both related to improper handling and accidental embolization.…”

“…Its use for interlacing and traction of intravascular foreign bodies, especially large ones, such as hemodialysis catheters, is rarely described in the literature. 4,5 We report 5 cases of intravascular foreign body removal using a simple, low-cost, and easily reproducible technique with minimal cardiovascular risk for the patients.…”

Percutaneous retrieval of a fractured dialysis catheter using a balloon

“…Semi-permanent hemodialysis catheters are an essential tool for vascular access in hemodialysis, both for the management of acute renal failure and in chronic renal failure as a temporary modality for vascular access in patients for whom permanent access is not available. Femoral, subclavian and internal jugular venous access is widely used for temporary vascular access for hemodialysis (1). During the removal of dialysis catheters, the catheter tip can fracture and migrate to distal vessels and the heart.…”

“…Semi-permanent hemodialysis catheters are an essential tool for a temporary vascular access during hemodialysis in patients for whom permanent access is not available. The femoral, subclavian and internal jugular veins are widely used for temporary vascular access in hemodialysis (1). Catheter fracture with or without embolization is a rare, serious complication of this approach that has been reported in the literature (2–3–4).…”