[Breakage and embolization of an epicutaneous central catheter with migration ot the right lobar pulmonary artery].

A neonate with meningitis required placement of several catheters for treatment. One catheter broke and a fragment embolized in the lobar branch of a pulmonary artery. This critical situation produced no symptoms and was successfully managed by percutaneous extraction from the femoral artery. Percutaneous central catheters made of silicon are used increasingly for long-term treatment of critically ill neonates. Such catheters are highly useful and effective but are not free of complications that can be serious or even fatal and that must be watched for when catheterization is indicated. The pediatric anesthesiologist should be familiar with the use of silicon catheters, the reasons for their failure and signs of incorrect placement. Although our patient suffered no complication after the break and embolization, the possibility of severe problems means we must monitor catheter use carefully.