[Pinch-off syndrome and rupture of totally implanted venous access. Report of a case].

Permanently implanted central venous catheters (CVC) are very frequently used in the management of patients with cancer for the administration of chemotherapy, for infusing intravenous therapy or for total parenteral nutrition. Common complications in the use of CVC include venous thrombosis, infection, extrusion and occlusion. A potentially serious complication of implantable subclavian venous access devices is the "pinch-off" syndrome: the mechanical compression between the clavicle and first rib. The next stage of complication is catheter fracture, which is sometimes complicated with embolization. Repeated trauma to the catheter with mechanical compression between the clavicle and first rib has been postulated as the cause of fracture. Prompt retrieval should be attempted in all cases to prevent further complications. We reported a case.