# Traumatic fracture of central venous catheter

## TL;DR

A case report describes the surgical retrieval of a broken central venous catheter fragment after it became lodged in a patient's body.

## Contribution

This report highlights a rare complication during catheter removal and provides insights into its management.

## Key findings

- A central venous catheter fragment embolized during removal and required surgical retrieval.
- Complications arose from improper catheter removal by non-specialist personnel.
- Management strategies for embolized central lines are discussed.

## Abstract

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is frequently essential for the management of critically ill patients. This report describes a case involving the surgical retrieval of an embolized fragment of a CVC, originally intended for dialysis, following an unsuccessful removal attempt by a nurse due to catheter malfunction. The decision to remove and replace the malfunctioning catheter was made by the patient’s physician. However, during the removal process, both the retaining suture and the catheter were inadvertently severed. This report also discusses the complications and management strategies associated with the embolization of a central line.