# Removing an Embolized Peripheral Intravenous Catheter from the Left Caudal Lung Lobe of a Dog via Intercostal Thoracotomy

## TL;DR

A dog had a piece of IV catheter stuck in its lung, which was successfully removed through surgery after being located with a CT scan.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the successful surgical removal of an embolized IV catheter tip from a dog's lung using CT localization.

## Key findings

- Computed tomography successfully localized the IV catheter tip in the left caudal lung lobe.
- Surgical removal via intercostal thoracotomy successfully retrieved the catheter tip without lung damage.
- Radiographs failed to detect the embolized catheter tip, highlighting the need for advanced imaging.

## Abstract

An 8-month-old Standard Poodle presented with transection of a peripheral IV catheter tip upon removal from the antebrachium. The foreign material was not seen on radiographs. A computed tomography scan was used for localization, and the IV catheter tip was found in the ventral aspect of the left caudal lung lobe. Surgery was successfully performed to remove the foreign material from the lung parenchyma. In the event of IV catheter embolism to the lung, it is possible to spare the lung with surgical removal.

An 8-month-old Standard Poodle was referred to a surgical specialist for suspected peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) embolism originating from the right cephalic vein. Upon removing the 20-gauge PIVC, the tip appeared to be 2 cm shorter. Radiographs were obtained for the localization of the PIVC embolism, but no abnormalities were seen. A computed tomography scan of the whole body was performed. PIVC embolism was observed due to a difference in Hounsfield units between the catheter tip and the surrounding lung parenchyma in the ventral aspect of the left caudal lung lobe. A left lateral thoracotomy in the seventh intercostal space was then performed, leading to the successful retrieval of the catheter tip while allowing the lung lobe to be spared. This case report describes a PIVC embolism migrating to the lung parenchyma and its successful surgical removal.