Successful percutaneous transvenous approach for pinch-off syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pinch-off syndrome is a rare late complication characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous fracture and embolization of a port-a-cath implanted via subclavian venous access. It may lead to serious cardiovascular outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a successful percutaneous transvenous removal of intravascular fractured port catheter embolized into the right ventricle by using the ‘lasso’ technique in an 85-year-old man with type B non-Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy and long estimated life expectancy. DISCUSSION: Knowledge of pinch-off syndrome among physicians is essential for early intervention, thereby preventing adverse events. Percutaneous approach seems an effective, safe, and simple procedure.