A stuck hemodialysis central venous catheter.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of hemodialysis patients are dependent upon central venous catheters (CVCs) for long-term vascular access. Although many complications of CVCs have been documented, the phenomenon of the stuck catheter is described relatively infrequently. CASE REPORT: We describe a case where attempts to remove the line by exploration of the jugular insertion site in theater were unsuccessful and the line was internalized. DISCUSSION: The case is then discussed with all available cases in the literature to suggest principles of managing and preventing the stuck catheter phenomenon.