# A Rare but Severe Long‐Term Complication of an Implantable Chamber

**Authors:** Raphael Grolleau, Agathe Brault, Marie‐Laure Rabilloud, Jean Michel Quedillac, Eric Rendu, Fabien Huet

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.71773 · Clinical Case Reports · 2026-01-14

## TL;DR

A long-term implantable device can cause serious heart complications years later if not properly checked before reuse.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare but severe complication of implantable ports and emphasizes the need for careful pre-use verification.

## Key findings

- Delayed mechanical erosion from a dormant device can lead to pericardial effusion.
- Reusing an implantable port without verifying catheter integrity can cause life-threatening cardiac tamponade.

## Abstract

Long‐term implantable ports may cause severe complications even years after placement. This case highlights the importance of verifying catheter integrity and tip position before reusing a dormant central venous access device, as delayed mechanical erosion can lead to pericardial effusion and life‐threatening cardiac tamponade.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cardiac tamponade (MONDO:0001297), pericardial effusion (MONDO:0001370)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cardiac tamponade (MESH:D002305), pericardial effusion (MESH:D010490)

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12800913/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12800913/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12800913