title: Considerations in catheter retrieval from the arterial system.
abstract: Catheter-based techniques have become commonplace in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Despite the significant improvements in materials and techniques, catheter separation or fracture may occur and result in catheter embolization or intravascular retention. We present such an occurrence during antegrade access to the common femoral artery. Although the sheared catheter was visualized fluoroscopically, attempts at percutaneous recovery were futile. Our findings at exploration confirmed total intravascular retention and impaction of the catheter. Practitioners should recognize this problem and avoid the dangers associated with percutaneous recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. irwin-best@emoryhealthcare.org
authors.forename: Irwin M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Karin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Harvey L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Bumpers
mesh_terms: D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures; D016909:Tibial Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional