Polyethylene Catheter Embolism

Totally implantable catheter embolism: two related cases.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Long-term totally implantable catheters (e.g. Port-a-Cath) are frequently used for long-term venous access in children with cancer. The use of this type of catheter is associated with complications such as infection, extrusion, extravasation and thrombosis. Embolism of catheter fragments is a rare complication, but has potential for morbidity. The aim here was to report on...

Catheter-directed interventions for acute pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Systemic anticoagulation is the standard of care, and treatment can be escalated in the setting of massive or submassive PE, given the high mortality risk. A secondary consideration for intervention is the prevention of late-onset chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Treatment options include systemic thromb...

Acute Pulmonary Embolism after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Central venous air embolism without a catheter.

Venous air embolism is a well-recognized complication of central venous catheterization. Although previous reports have documented venous air embolism occurring in a number of ways, including during initial catheterization, when catheters crack or are disconnected, and after catheter removal, no reports mention the possibility of air embolism occurring when a guide wire without a catheter was i...

Catheter-based reperfusion treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man with a history of hemicolectomy for colon cancer 10 days previously was admitted because of syncope and severe shortness of breath. On physical examination, the patient was hemodynamically unstable, with a systolic arterial pressure of 80 mm Hg, a heart rate of 124 beats per minute, and distended jugular veins. He was agitated and unable to speak full senten...