[Heart catheter dislocation following ventriculo-atrial cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Report of 2 cases].

Implantation of ventriculo-atrial shunt systems for treatment of hydrocephalus internus is a common and useful method. Two cases of cardiac catheter dislocation after adjustment or removal of central venous catheters introduced through the left subclavian vein are reported. Technical and pathophysiological predisposing factors are discussed. Ventriculo-peritoneal drainage is also mentioned as a possibility for avoiding cardiac catheter dislocation. After removal of a central venous catheter in cases of ventriculo-atrial shunts a p.a. X-ray of the chest should be performed.