Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery· 2026Q2· Case report
Spontaneous migration of a peripherally inserted central catheter into the azygos vein with accidental transection during thoracoscopic esophagectomy: a case report
- 0citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) spontaneously migrated into the azygos vein and was accidentally transected during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in a 73-year-old male.
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Key points
- A PICC spontaneously migrated from its correct position into the azygos vein.
- The migrated PICC was accidentally transected by a stapling device during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.
- The catheter was retrieved, and the transected azygos vein was successfully repaired.
- The report suggests a multidisciplinary approach to prevent central venous catheter malposition and fracture.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This case report describes a rare adverse event involving the spontaneous migration of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) into the azygos vein, followed by its accidental transection during thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy. A 73-year-old male patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent left-sided PICC placement for neoadjuvant therapy, with correct tip position confirmed by intracavitary electrocardiography and chest X-ray. While during the surgery, the migrated PICC was inadvertently transected when the surgeon divided the azygos vein with a stapling device. The catheter was retrieved, and the azygos vein stump was re-sutured. This report analyzes the probable multifactorial causes of PICC migration and proposes a multi-disciplinary prevention framework encompassing the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff to mitigate the risk of both central-venous catheter malposition and device fracture.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical ServicesHealth Professions