Percutaneous Retrieval of a Dislodged Umbilical Venous Catheter Migrated to the Left Atrium via an Atrial Septal Defect in a Neonate: A Case Report

Background Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are indispensable in neonatal intensive care, yet their fracture and embolization are exceedingly rare complications. Migration across an atrial septal defect (ASD) into the systemic circulation is even more exceptional. Case presentation A one-month-old, 4 kg infant presented in shock two weeks after UVC removal. After three minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, echocardiography demonstrated a mobile catheter fragment in the left atrium traversing a congenital ASD. Via right common femoral venous access, a 6 F sheath and 4 F Cobra catheter were advanced; the ASD was crossed, and a fragment was captured with a 10 mm single-loop snare and withdrawn. No arrhythmia or hemodynamic instability occurred. Outcome The infant stabilized immediately; follow-up echocardiography confirmed complete retrieval and an unchanged small ASD. Conclusion Even in neonates, percutaneous snare retrieval through femoral access is a safe, definitive solution for intracardiac UVC fragments. Early recognition and multidisciplinary coordination are paramount for a favorable outcome.