Cureus
Percutaneous Endovascular Extraction of a Fractured Central Line Catheter From the Intracardiac Space Utilizing a Snare: A Case Report.
Arindam Pande, Durlabh Debbarma, Ajanta Samanta, Saurav Das, Sourav Datta
Published: 202510.7759/cureus.98416
Abstract
Open AccessFracture and migration of a central venous catheter is an uncommon but serious complication. Fragments can embolize to the right atrium or ventricle, potentially causing life-threatening arrhythmias, pseudoaneurysms, perforations, or thromboembolism. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a fractured catheter from a prior insertion for buccal mucosa carcinoma. Fluoroscopy revealed the fragment in the right atrium, and it was successfully retrieved via a percutaneous endovascular approach using a snare, without immediate complications. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of endovascular retrieval for such critical events.