Spontaneous Separation and Migration of a Metal Splice Segment of a Repaired Hickman Catheter

Repairs to the external silicone central venous catheter segment are done to correct mechanical defects caused by natural wear and tear or traumatic catheter injury. The ability to repair a damaged catheter obviates the need for surgical replacement. Complications specific to repaired Hickman catheters have not been reported. We report a case in which the metal piece separated from the replacement segment of a Hickman catheter. This metal piece lodged 1 cm from the catheter entrance to the anterior chest and caused incomplete catheter occlusion. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 17:287-288, 1993)