Catheter fragmentation and premature atrial contraction: A case report of right atrium complications

Muneer, Hussain and Ruixiang, Qi and Lou, Inmaculada Xu and Xu, Yizhou (2025) Catheter fragmentation and premature atrial contraction: A case report of right atrium complications. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 21 (3). pp. 583-587. ISSN 2582-5542

Critical medical devices known as central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used for intermittent, long-term central venous access, such as when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics and/or chemotherapeutic medicines. Delayed mechanical complications such as catheter fracture and migration to other areas may be seen. After fragmentation, these pieces are displaced into different locations, the right heart being the most commonly affected site. Some complications include arrhythmias, thromboembolism, infections, and cardiac arrest. We report a case of catheter fragment that migrated into the right atrium after being dislodged from the intravenous infusion port causing premature atrial contractions.