Abbruzzese P A, Chiappa E, Murru P, Stefanini L, Longo S, Balagna R
Department of Neonatology and Anesthesiology and Reanimation Service, Infantile Regina Margherita Hospital and University of Torino, Italy.
Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Sep;66(3):938-9. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(98)00561-x.
Embolization of central venous catheter fragments is usually treated with percutaneous interventional techniques, which are difficult to apply in infants with very low birth weight. We surgically removed a catheter fragment in a preterm neonate, to avoid the impending thrombosis of the right pulmonary artery. The operation was performed with a nerve hook introduced through a tiny incision in the vessel's wall. The procedure was well tolerated, and no stricture remains at the site of incision.
