A rare complication of Port-A-Catheter fracture

Abstract

Background: Obtaining a central line access is an essential procedure that is necessary in various settings to facilitate the administration of medication. An implantable central line, also known as a portacath, is a subtype with a reservoir installed into a subcutaneous pocket and attached to a catheter.
Case presentation: This is a case of a fractured portacath implanted for the administration of calcium in a two year old female resulting from high syringe pressure.
Discussion: Complications range from immediate injury to vascular and surrounding structures to a delayed manifestation of infection and device malfunction. Catheter fracture in vivo is a very rare complication especially in the paediatric population.
Conclusions: Appropriate size of syringe should be checked with the portacath manufacturer prior to use in order to avoid fracture as a result of high syringe pressure.