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Ann Thorac Surg 1998;66:938-939
© 1998 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Case Reports

Surgical retrieval of an embolized central venous catheter in a premature baby

^a Division of Cardiac Surgery, Infantile Regina Margherita Hospital and University of Torino, Torino, Italy
^b Division of Cardiology,, Infantile Regina Margherita Hospital and University of Torino, Torino, Italy
^c Department of Neonataology, Infantile Regina Margherita Hospital and University of Torino, Torino, Italy
^d Anesthesiology and Reanimation Service, Infantile Regina Margherita Hospital and University of Torino, Torino, Italy

Accepted for publication March 24, 1998.

Address reprint requests to Dr Abbruzzese, Divisione di Cardiochirurgia, Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy

Embolization of central venous catheter fragments is usually treated with percutaneous interventional techniques, which are difficult to apply in infants with very low birth weight. We surgically removed a catheter fragment in a preterm neonate, to avoid the impending thrombosis of the right pulmonary artery. The operation was performed with a nerve hook introduced through a tiny incision in the vessel’s wall. The procedure was well tolerated, and no stricture remains at the site of incision.