A delayed complication of a port-a-cath insertion via subclavian venous access: Case report of a "pinch-off syndrome"

Introduction: Port-a-caths are long-stay central catheters often used for chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition. The implantation of a port-a cath, despite being involved in routine procedures, is also associated with immediate and delayed complications. Complications are rare but must be known and managed by operators.

Case report: A delayed complication related to the presence of a port-a-cath, consisting in the fragmentation of the catheter, has been reported, in a 63-years-old female patient. The port was placed via subclavian venous access and affected by pinch-off syndrome, which resulted in catheter malfunction and then in fragmentation from compression by the subclavius-costoclavicular complex. The onset symptom was device malfunction.

Discussion and conclusion: The focus in the management of this rare but possible complication was the quick removal of the device and of the catheter fragment in the endovascular lumen with collaboration between different medical specialists.