A fragmented segment of a central venous catheter caused delayed ventricular fibrillation: a case report

BACKGROUND: Central venous port systems may be safely used for chemotherapy of patients with cancer, but several complications may occur associated with their use. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old man with heat stroke was transferred to our emergency department, where he was treated and became able to eat on the same day. He had been fit and healthy, except for colorectomy and chemotherapy using a central venous access port placed in the right upper jugular vein 8 years ago. The next day, he suddenly had ventricular fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was successful. Emergency coronary angiography showed a catheter-like foreign body in the coronary sinus. Physicians failed to remove the foreign body using catheter therapy, and ventricular fibrillation occurred repeatedly. After induction of general anesthesia, the fractured catheter was removed surgically. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: A fragmented segment of a catheter may suddenly cause ventricular fibrillation years later.