Perforation of Atrium by Polyethylene CV Catheter

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> Embolic pieces of intravenous polyethylene catheters have been noted since Turner and Sommers¹described a case in which a 4-cm fragment separated and lodged in the right atrium. Brown and Kent²recorded perforation of the right ventricle by a segment of a polyethylene catheter, and Johnson³subsequently reported a similar perforation of the right atrium by a piece of tubing. Doering et al⁴in a recent review cited 26 cases from the literature and added 23 additional patients in whom embolism of intravenous catheters occurred. One of the latter had perforation of the right atrium. In the following patient there was perforation of the right atrium by an intact indwelling polyethylene catheter used jointly to monitor the central venous pressure and for intravenous fluid therapy. Death was related to hydropericardium produced by fluid conducted into the pericardial sac by the catheter. <h3>Report of</h3>