A Stuck Hemodialysis Central venous Catheter

Abstract

Background A growing number of hemodialysis patients are dependent upon central venous catheters (CVCs) for long-term vascular access. Although many complications of CVCs have been documented, the phenomenon of the stuck catheter is described relatively infrequently. Case report We describe a case where attempts to remove the line by exploration of the jugular insertion site in theater were unsuccessful and the line was internalized. Discussion The case is then discussed with all available cases in the literature to suggest principles of managing and preventing the stuck catheter phenomenon.