Seek and you shall find—retrieval of a retained fractured intravenous cannula by Z-plasty incision: a case report

Abstract

Peripheral venous cannulation is a common invasive procedure. Fracture of an intravenous cannula is rare and an under-reported complication of peripheral venous cannulation. Embolization of the intravenous fragment into the central venous system is potentially fatal. Urgent surgical retrieval, which is performed through a transverse or longitudinal incision, is the treatment of choice. We herein present the use of Z-plasty incision for the retrieval of a retained fractured peripheral intravenous cannula in a 61-year-old Nigerian man on hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease. The major benefits of this innovation are facilitation of access for exploration and prevention of joint contracture.