Retained Catheter Fragment from a Fractured Tunneled Catheter-A Rare and Potentially Lethal Complication

Differences in training and practice in tunnelled haemodialysis catheter removal: a survey of nephrology trainees across United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The tunnelled haemodialysis catheter (TDC) removal is a necessary skill for the nephrology trainee as this task is undertaken routinely in renal units. Little published data exists to establish current practice and there is no national guidance regarding TDC removal in United Kingdom (UK). Anecdotally, trainees suggest they do not have sufficient supervised training in TDC removal. We aimed to establish the differences in training and practice in TDC removal among nephrology trainees across UK.

METHOD

We created an online survey with twenty questions for trainee and non-training nephrology registrars working in UK. The survey was distributed via regional renal training programme directors, UK Kidney Association, "Renal SpR Club" and online professional social networks including social media and instant messaging services.

RESULTS

We received 75 responses from all of 14 postgraduate training deaneries. 91% reported renal registrars remove TDCs in their units. 53% of the operators were taught by another registrar. Only 16% report awareness of written local trust guidance on TDC removal. 43% reported removing > 10 TDCs a year. Cut-down method is preferred over traction method for TDC removal. 63% remove TDCs in designated procedure areas, 52% obtain written consent and 65% wear full sterile personal protective equipment (PPE). 16% report removing TDCs alone with no assistant and 12% do not stop aspirin, antiplatelets or anticoagulants beforehand. 30% of operators reported experiencing a "stuck catheter" at some point in their careers.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey highlights that TDC removal is a common procedure and predominantly performed by renal physicians in teaching hospitals. It is mostly undertaken by registrar level doctors often without formal training or written guidelines with varying techniques. 68% of participants want this procedure to be part of mandatory training in the renal post graduate training curriculum.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

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

PURPOSE

Intravascular embolization of hemodialysis and central venous catheters is a rare but potentially serious complication. With the increasing use of catheters in medical practice, we are often faced with this type of complication. Novel, simple, and low-cost techniques are needed for foreign body extraction in order to reduce cardiovascular risks.

CASE REPORT

We describe the approach of 5 foreign body embolization cases. Case 1: a 57-year-old woman with end-stage renal failure with a complete fracture and migration of the distal extremity of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 2: a 55-year-old man with an accidental embolization of the distal portion of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 3: a 76-year-old woman with stage IV breast cancer and an accidental embolization of a central venous catheter guidewire. Cases 4 and 5: a 71-year-old woman and a 2-year-old boy with a port-a-cath embolization. All the patients underwent successful minimally invasive removal of the foreign bodies from the thoracic site using 5Fr pigtail catheters. Additional surgery was not required. No further complications, such as damage to the vascular wall, were noted.

CONCLUSION

Our experience with the interlacing and traction pigtail show that it is a simple, practical, and low-cost technical alternative and its benefits should be widespread.

Retained Embolized Fragment of Totally Implantable Central Venous Catheter in Right Ventricle: It is Really Necessary to Remove?

Introduction

Central venous catheters are often required in oncologic patients for long-term safe administration of chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition. Rupture of these devices and intracardiac migration is a rare complication.

Methods

We report one spontaneous rupture and embolization of a totally implantable vascular access device (TIVAD) in an asymptomatic patient.

Results

A 50-year-old woman received a TIVAD silicone catheter 8 FR for adjuvant chemotherapy. After 3 years of port time in situ, during a follow-up control, a catheter malfunction was found and radiologic investigations showed a rupture and migration of the catheter to the right ventricle. The attempt to remove the fragment under fluoroscopic control using the femoral route was unsuccessful. We did not try a surgical approach because of the complete absence of symptomatology and hemodynamic impairment.

Conclusions

The catheter rupture and intracardiac embolization is a rare complication associated with totally implantable or tunneled central venous catheters. When such an event happens, the patient should be managed by expert hemodynamists or interventional radiologists making an effort to remove the fragment without surgical measures. When the intravascular percutaneous route fails, the possibility to leave the fragmented catheter in heart chambers should be evaluated, being surgery questionable in asymptomatic patients.

Iatrogenic percutaneous vascular injuries: clinical presentation, imaging, and management

Vascular interventional radiology procedures are relatively safe compared with analogous surgical procedures, with overall major complication rates of less than 1%. However, major vascular injuries resulting from these procedures may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This review will discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of vascular complications related to percutaneous vascular interventions. Early recognition of these complications and familiarity with treatment options are essential skills for the interventional radiologist.

Successful retrieval of an irretrievable jugular tesio catheter using a fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter

Long life expectancy and wide development of therapies have increased the number of patients under artificial treatment for lost kidney function or dialysis. Different options for vascular access are suitable for receiving this therapy. The use of tunneled catheters has consequently increased complications related to its use. A difficult retrieval of catheters caused by a hard fibrin sheath along its trajectory is a common drawback. Herein, we report a woman with suspicion of hemodialysis catheter infection and an irretrievable Tesio catheter. A novel technique using a Fogarty arterial catheter allowed a successful retrieval and avoided an aggressive management.

Review article: the management of long-term parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is currently the management of choice for patients with chronic intestinal failure.

AIM

To summarise the major issues in delivering long-term parenteral nutrition (>3 months) and assess outcome as per complications, mortality and quality of life. To assess the evidence for the therapeutic use of trophic factors such as teduglutide and to review evolving therapeutic options in the treatment of chronic intestinal failure.

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed.

RESULTS

Safe delivery of HPN relies upon individualised formulations of parenteral nutrition administered via carefully maintained central venous catheters by trained patients or carers, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Early diagnosis and treatment of complications including catheter-associated blood stream infection (reported incidence 0.14-0.83 episodes/patient-year on HPN) and central venous thrombosis (reported incidence 0.03 episodes/patient-year) is important to minimise mortality and morbidity. There is a significant variation in the reported incidence of both hepatobiliary complications (19-75%) and advanced liver disease (0-50%). Five-year survival rates in large centres are reported between 60% and 78% with survival primarily related to underlying diagnosis. Long-term survival remains higher on HPN than with intestinal transplantation. The role of intestinal lengthening procedures is yet to be validated in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Home parenteral nutrition delivered by skilled nutrition teams has low incidences of catheter-related complications. Most deaths relate to the underlying disease. Therapies such as teduglutide and small bowel transplantation appear promising, but home parenteral nutrition appears likely to remain the bedrock of management in the near term.

Central venous catheter embolisation

Tunnelled central venous catheters are commonly used for a variety of indications, including home parenteral nutrition, but are rarely associated with fracture and embolisation; the risk of embolisation is reported to be greater with catheters placed via the subclavian vein rather than the internal jugular route. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with type 3 (chronic and irreversible) intestinal failure who presented with pain and swelling on infusion of parenteral nutrition through her internal jugular catheter. A chest x-ray showed fracture and embolisation of her catheter into the right ventricle. The embolised portion was retrieved and removed via the femoral route, without complication and the catheter replaced. We discuss causes of line embolisation, and highlight the possibility of embolisation occurring with an internal jugular catheter.