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Abstract

Catheter migration is a rare but important complication of the totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), and is estimated to be in the range of 0.2% to 1.7%. While there are many causes of catheter disruption and migration, the commonest is chronic strain to the catheter due to compression between the clavicle and first rib - the so-called pinch-off syndrome. This compression can cause transitory obstruction of the catheter and may result in a split or even complete transection and migration of the catheter. Catheter migration is a rare but important complication of TIVAD. These disruptions may be asymptomatic but may cause significant consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias and even death. The recognition of the separation of the catheter and port on plain radiographs should lead to early intervention to prevent catheter migration.

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Correspondence to Ahmad Zaghal .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Faraj, W., Zaghal, A. (2012). Catheter Migration. In: Di Carlo, I., Biffi, R. (eds) Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2373-4_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2373-4_27

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2372-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2373-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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