Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device

"We report the case of a patient whose catheter tip migrated across a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. Because prompt surgical repositioning was required, conscious sedation and real-time transesophageal echocardiography were utilized to provide precise guidance" Amaya-Zúñiga et al (2026).

"We report the case of a patient whose catheter tip migrated across a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. Because prompt surgical repositioning was required, conscious sedation and real-time transesophageal echocardiography were utilized to provide precise guidance" Amaya-Zúñiga et al (2026).

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Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device

Abstract:

Migration of a totally implantable venous access port into the cardiac chambers can lead to a wide range of potentially serious complications. Malpositioned devices require thorough clinical assessment and timely intervention to minimize associated risks. We report the case of a patient whose catheter tip migrated across a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. Because prompt surgical repositioning was required, conscious sedation and real-time transesophageal echocardiography were utilized to provide precise guidance. This approach enabled safe catheter withdrawal, accurate repositioning within the superior vena cava, and immediate confirmation of catheter function using a saline flush test.

Reference:

Amaya-Zúñiga W, Cifuentes-Ortiz M, Benítez-Ávila D, Fajardo-Gómez R, Romero-Vanegas N. Transesophageal echocardiography-guided repositioning of a totally implantable venous access device that migrated into the left atrium across a patent foramen ovale. J Vasc Access. 2026 Aug 18:11297298261475792. doi: 10.1177/11297298261475792. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42610556.