Removal of a central venous catheter penetrating the vertebral artery: A case report on endovascular treatment for blunt cerebrovascular injury

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation and endovascular therapy are commonly used treatment methods for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI). However, in certain cases, the perforating objects damaging the blood vessels need to be removed. In such cases, stenting and coil embolization have been reported to be useful. Furthermore, we believe that distal embolization can arrest bleeding at the perforation site when using such treatments. In support of this procedure, we report a case of successful BCVI treatment using distal embolization through contralateral side and proximal protection. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old man had an accidental placement of a central venous catheter that resulted in the perforation of the vertebral artery. Endovascular treatment was performed to remove the catheter and prevent bleeding during extraction. For this treatment, we used the method of distal embolization through the contralateral approach and proximal protection with a microballoon catheter followed by removal of the perforating catheter and additional embolization of the bleeding point under controlled blood flow. CONCLUSION: Under distal and proximal protections, we were able to successfully remove the perforating catheter without bleeding and ischemic complications. While treating BCVI, which requires the removal of perforating material, attention should be paid to the various protection methods and procedures.