Removal of "ruptured" pulmonary artery infusion port catheter by pigtail catheter combined with gooseneck trap: A case report

BACKGROUND: Implanted intravenous infusion port (IVAP) is indicated for patients undergoing chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and long-term antibiotic treatment. Among their complications, the rupture and migration of the catheter of an IVAP via internal jugular vein represents a very rare but potentially severe condition. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old woman was identified with a spontaneous fracture and migration of catheter of an IVAP via right internal jugular vein after adjuvant chemotherapy for left breast cancer. A computed tomography showed the fractured catheter of the IVAP in the pulmonary artery. Therefore, we conducted an emergency procedure to remove the catheter fragment by a pigtail catheter combined with a gooseneck trap. CONCLUSION: When the fractured catheter of an IVAP was detected, the special shape of the pigtail catheter in combination with the gooseneck trap successfully facilitated the removal of the dislodged catheter.