Intracavity catheter fragmentation during modified Seldinger pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis in two dogs.

Catheter fracture during wire-guided pericardiocentesis or thoracocentesis is a rare but serious complication requiring prompt recognition.

This case report describes two canine patients who experienced catheter fracture during wire-guided (modified Seldinger technique) intracavitary drainage procedures — one during pericardiocentesis and one during thoracocentesis. Small-bore wire-guided thoracostomy drains (commonly marketed as pigtail or locking-loop catheters) are increasingly used in small animal practice due to their ease of placement and reduced need for general anesthesia compared to traditional large-bore chest tubes. However, this report highlights a previously underappreciated complication: mechanical fracture of the catheter within the thoracic cavity or pericardial space. The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to extract signalment, presenting complaints, diagnostic imaging findings, procedural details, subsequent interventions required to retrieve or manage the retained fragment, and patient outcomes. The cases underscore the importance of careful technique during insertion and removal, avoidance of excessive force or sharp angulation, and thorough inspection of all retrieved components. Clinicians should be aware that catheter fragmentation, though rare, can necessitate additional invasive procedures such as thoracotomy or pericardiotomy to retrieve the foreign body, significantly increasing patient morbidity. This report serves as a cautionary reminder for practitioners using wire-guided drainage systems in small animals, emphasizing the need for device familiarity, meticulous procedural technique, and prompt recognition of complications to optimize patient outcomes.

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