PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Elizabeth Harrison AU - Simon Lal TI - Central venous catheter embolisation AID - 10.1136/bcr-2012-007249 DP - 2012 Nov 21 TA - BMJ Case Reports PG - bcr2012007249 VI - 2012 4099 - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2012/bcr-2012-007249.short 4100 - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2012/bcr-2012-007249.full AB - Tunnelled central venous catheters are commonly used for a variety of indications, including home parenteral nutrition, but are rarely associated with fracture and embolisation; the risk of embolisation is reported to be greater with catheters placed via the subclavian vein rather than the internal jugular route. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with type 3 (chronic and irreversible) intestinal failure who presented with pain and swelling on infusion of parenteral nutrition through her internal jugular catheter. A chest x-ray showed fracture and embolisation of her catheter into the right ventricle. The embolised portion was retrieved and removed via the femoral route, without complication and the catheter replaced. We discuss causes of line embolisation, and highlight the possibility of embolisation occurring with an internal jugular catheter.