“An implantable central venous access port (CVport) has the advantages of a low risk of infection, long-term use, unrestricted daily activities, and avoidance of peripheral phlebitis and vascular sclerosis. In recent years, CVports have been increasingly used in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and they have been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. However, CVports are also associated with complications such as infection, pneumothorax, thrombosis, catheter misplacement, and rupture. The right internal jugular vein is the most commonly used approach for CVport placement. Catheter misplacement is an early complication of CVport implantation and often occurs in the internal jugular vein, brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, azygos vein, or right atrium. Catheter misplacement into the internal thoracic vein (ITV) is rare.

On February 10, 2023, a patient in our hospital underwent implantation of a CVport via the right internal jugular vein, and the catheter became misplaced and entered the right ITV. We herein summarize our diagnosis and treatment experience with a review of the literature.”

Yao MQ, Jiang YY. Catheter misplacement from an implantable central venous access port into the internal thoracic vein: a case description. Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2023 Sep 1;13(9):6338-6342. doi: 10.21037/qims-23-338. Epub 2023 Jul 7. PMID: 37711839; PMCID: PMC10498269.