Percutaneous retrieval of 20 centrally dislodged Port-A catheter fragments

A total of 20 patients with centrally embolized Port-A catheter fragments underwent the Percutaneous retrieval procedures at our hospital. The causes of the dislodgement of these catheters included bad connection between the port and catheter, angulation or distortion at the anastomosis site, severing the catheter during insertion and removal of the catheter, improper catheter position and fatigue of the catheter. Consequently, improper procedure handling by the inexperienced surgeons could be considered as the most frequent cause of embolization. The percutaneous retrieval procedures were successful in all centrally embolized fragments. Of 20 successful retrievals, 16 were performed will loop snare catheters and 4 with Dormia basket retrievers. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.