Retained intravascular catheter fragments (RICF) are a rare complication of implantable vascular access device (IVAD) removal for which there is limited understanding of aetiology. There is a varied approach to management among the currently published literature.
The aim of this study was to establish incidence, risk factors, and outcomes for RICF after attempted removal of IVADs.
A single institution retrospective review was undertaken of individuals ≤25 years undergoing removal of IVADs from October 2014 - June 2019. Risk factors for RICF were explored using univariable logistic and Cox regression analysis.
Six cases of RICF were identified among 654 line removal episodes (0.92% (95% CI 0.37-2%)) in patients aged 6-17 years (median 11, IQR 6-15 years). The main risk factor for RICF at removal was found to be line duration (OR 3.5/ year, 95% CI 2.1-5.84, p
