BACKGROUND: This is the first reported study of histologically confirmed migration from intravenous access devices in children. METHODS: The capsules from around intravenous access devices were examined by light microscopy to determine the extent of the foreign body response; energy dispersive x ray analysis was performed to document the elemental content of the foreign material. RESULTS: A fibroconnective tissue capsule was found around all the samples. Elemental silicon was found in six of 13 tissue samples, and a foreign body giant cell reaction was seen in three of these. CONCLUSIONS: The pseudocapsule that surrounds an implanted vascular access device often has residual foreign material, including silicone.
BACKGROUND: This is the first reported study of histologically confirmed migration from intravenous access devices in children. METHODS: The capsules from around intravenous access devices were examined by light microscopy to determine the extent of the foreign body response; energy dispersive x ray analysis was performed to document the elemental content of the foreign material. RESULTS: A fibroconnective tissue capsule was found around all the samples. Elemental silicon was found in six of 13 tissue samples, and a foreign body giant cell reaction was seen in three of these. CONCLUSIONS: The pseudocapsule that surrounds an implanted vascular access device often has residual foreign material, including silicone.