A Rare Event of Broken Intravenous Cannula in Dorsal Metacarpal Vein in a Three-month-old Infant

Abstract

Background: Breaking of intravenous cannula during its removal and its proximal broken part getting retained in the vein; is a rare occurrence, but has been reported. Such cases in pediatric population has been rarely reported. We are reporting such a case of broken intravenous cannula in dorsal metacarpal vein in a 3-month-old infant.
Case Description: A 3-month-old male child reported to our plastic surgery OPD as a referral case from Pediatrics department. He was brought to our OPD with the history of peripheral venous cannula insertion in left dorsum of hand during hospital stay. On palpation, a cordlike structure with firm consistency was found over dorsum of left hand. CECT showing iv cannula in dorsal metacarpal vein between 4th and 5th metacarpal of left hand. Dorsal metacarpal vein was made free from the surrounding structures. Gentle retrieval of iv cannula was done after laying open the vein.
Discussion: Breaking of iv cannula is a rarely reported event, and its risks can be reduced by avoiding repeated cannulation with the same device, avoiding lower extremity iv line, preventing excessive cannula movement and removing the peripheral iv catheter as soon as possible.
Conclusion: Emergent exploration after localization should be the ideal management.