{"id":5433,"date":"2026-03-13T13:32:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T11:32:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cvja.co.za\/journal\/?p=5433"},"modified":"2026-03-13T13:32:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T11:32:33","slug":"cvja-2025-108","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cvja.co.za\/journal\/cvja-2025-108\/","title":{"rendered":"Paradoxical Embolization of an Intravenous Catheter Fragment through Patent Foramen Ovale: A Rare Case of Acute Limb Ischaemia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\nK\u00fcbra G\u00f6zac\u0131k Karako\u00e7\r\n<\/div> \r\n<\/div> \r\n
\r\n Copyright:<\/strong> Clinics Cardive Publishing (Pty) Ltd. publisher\r\n of Cardiovascular Journal of Africa.<\/div>\r\n
<\/div> \r\n
\r\n
\r\n Abstract \r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n Background:<\/strong> \r\n \r\nParadoxical embolism occurs when venous materials traverse through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) into arterial circulation. Catheter fragment embolisation represents an unusual cause of arterial occlusion with significant morbidity.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Case Presentation:<\/strong> \r\n \r\nAn 83-year-old female presented with sudden-onset pain, coldness, and cyanosis of the right lower extremity 15 days after pacemaker implantation requiring intravenous catheterisation. Physical examination revealed absent popliteal and distal pulses. Vascular imaging confirmed acute arterial occlusion. During surgical embolectomy, a 20G pink-coloured intravenous catheter fragment (32 mm) was unexpectedly retrieved. Postoperative echocardiography identified a PFO. The patient improved with antithrombotic therapy following revascularisation.\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n Conclusion:<\/strong> \r\n \r\nThis case demonstrates paradoxical embolisation of catheter fragments through a PFO following intravenous catheterisation. Venous-to-arterial paradoxical embolisation should be considered in unexpected arterial occlusions. Meticulous monitoring of catheter integrity and systemic PFO evaluation are critical in preventing these rare but potentially life-threatening complications.\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n <\/div> \r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n Keywords:<\/strong> \r\n \r\n Intravenous catheter integrity, patent foramen ovale, paradoxical embolism, acute limb ischaemia, vascular complications<\/strong> \r\n \r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n Submitted:<\/strong> October 26, 2025; \r\n Accepted:<\/strong> November 18, 2025; \r\n Published:<\/strong> March 13, 2026
\r\n Cardiovasc J Afr 2025; 37<\/b>: 116-119<\/em>\r\n
Volume 37, Issue 1<\/strong>
\r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n
\r\n DOI Citation Reference: dx.doi.org\/10.5830\/CVJA-2025-108 \r\n <\/div> \r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, Batman Training and Research Hospital, Batman, Turkey\r\n<\/strong>
\r\nK\u00fcbra G\u00f6zac\u0131k Karako\u00e7\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n [soshsc hide=\"logged\"]\r\n You need to be logged in to view and download<\/a> the full text PDF version. Register for a free account?<\/a><\/strong>

[\/soshsc]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, its long-term cardiovascular effects remain unclear. 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This study evaluated persistent changes in blood pressure (BP) patterns among recovered COVID-19 patients.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cvja.co.za\/journal\/cvja-2025-108\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Paradoxical Embolization of an Intravenous Catheter Fragment through Patent Foramen Ovale: A Rare Case of Acute Limb Ischaemia - Cardiovascular Journal of Africa\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, its long-term cardiovascular effects remain unclear. 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