title: Percutaneous retrieval of chronic intravascular foreign bodies.
abstract: To evaluate the feasibility of intravascular retrieval of chronic foreign bodies, we retrospectively reviewed an 8 year experience (1993-2001) of percutaneous retrieval of chronically retained intravascular foreign bodies (n = 6). In 6 of 6 cases (4 catheter fragments, 2 guidewires), 5-90 days elapsed before retrieval via the femoral or internal jugular vein. Under fluoroscopy, we determined the foreign body's course, position and size. A guidewire was advanced through a multipurpose catheter to the foreign body. The multipurpose catheter was replaced with a gooseneck snare catheter and the snare advanced to grasp and remove the foreign body. Percutaneous retrieval was successful in all 6 cases. One patient experienced mild hemoptysis, which resolved within 24 hr of observation. No patient experienced long-term sequelae. Given the potential life-threatening complications from intravascular foreign bodies and the low complication rate from percutaneous retrieval, we recommend extraction of the foreign body even if it is asymptomatic in the chronic setting (> 24 hr).
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0528, USA.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: Orhan S
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Ozkan
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Walser
authors.forename: Dongfang
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Joseph B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Zwischenberger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001808:Blood Vessels; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015642:Radiology, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods