Management of Fractured Peripheral Venous Cannulae: a Case Report of 2 Cases and Review of Literature

Most of the hospitalised patients have peripheral venous cannulae during their hospital stay and are changed at regular intervals. They are associated with complications like haematoma, extravasation, phlebitis and thrombosis. Fracture and embolisation of peripheral venous cannula (PVC) is one more possible complication which can contribute to additional morbidity. We are reporting 2 cases. In the first case, vein cannula in the external jugular vein got fractured and the fragment was retrieved with urgent surgery. In the second case, which was operated electively, the fractured fragment could not be retrieved as it migrated distally. Fracture of vein cannula is a possible complication and could be recognised with inspection of removed cannulae. Early intervention could prevent migration. Intraoperative imaging like ultrasound and fluoroscopy will help localising the retained fragment and monitor possible migration.