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Introduction: While a Desilets–Hoffman sheath rarely fractures, when it does, the presence of an intravenous foreign body can cause various complications. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old woman receiving hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease via a left forearm arteriovenous graft (AVG) was referred to the interventional radiology department following thrombotic occlusion of the AVG. A corrective procedure was initiated, and the 7F Desilets–Hoffman sheath fractured after the purse-string suture. A.035-inch guidewire was passed through the fractured sheath, and a 3.0-mm x 60-mm balloon catheter was inflated, allowing for the successful removal of the sheath fragment without complications. Conclusion: The fractured Desilets-Hoffman sheath was successfully removed in a patient with a loop arteriovenous graft using balloon-supported retrieval technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous closure has emerged as the standard treatment for secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASDs). However, there is a rare but serious complication of occluder device migration and embolization to the heart chambers or distal vasculature during or shortly after implantation. Although this occurrence is extremely rare, it can have disastrous consequences. Fortunately, advancements in equipment and technology have facilitated the transition from surgical procedures to percutaneous techniques for removing embolized occluder devices. In this report, we present a case in which an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device embolized to the descending thoracic aortic isthmus two days after implantation. The device was successfully retrieved using a percutaneous technique, and another ASO device was subsequently redeployed to the ASD. Regrettably, the patient experienced an intraoperative cardiac arrest. Despite prompt rescue efforts and recovery of vital signs, the patient still suffered postoperative sequelae. The main reason for occluder device migration in this case may have been the undersizing of the ASO device due to the operator's lack of caution.

Intracardiac foreign bodies (IFB) are rare clinical conditions. There are now several reports on the percutaneous retrieval of IFB under fluoroscopy. However, some IFB are not radiopaque, and retrieval requires combined fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. We report the case of a bedridden 23-year-old male patient with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma treated with long-term chemotherapy. Ultrasound examination diagnosed a huge thrombus in the right atrium near the opening of the inferior vena cava which affected the patency of his PICC line. Ten days of anticoagulant therapy did not modify the thrombus size. Open heart surgery was not feasible because of the patient clinical condition. Snare-capture of the non-opaque thrombus was done from the femoral vein under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance with excellent outcomes. We also present a systematic review of IFB. We found out that percutaneous removal of IFBs is a safe and effective procedure. The youngest patient who received percutaneous IFB retrieval was 10 days old and weighed only 800 g, while the oldest patient was 70 years old. Port catheters (43.5%) and PICC lines (42.3%) were the most commonly found IFBs. Snare catheters and forceps were the most commonly used instruments.

Chemoport, a central venous infusion system, is commonly used in cancer patients for administration of chemotherapy. Dislodgment with subsequent migration of chemoport catheter into the heart is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication. The treatment of choice is immediate retrieval of dislodged part of catheter by either surgery or percutaneous approach. Percutaneous removal is safer and less invasive, making it the standard treatment modality. We herein report the case of a 22-year-old male who was referred to us for the management of a dislodged chemoport catheter used for chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. In this article, we discuss the treatment approach in this particular case as well as review the existing literature.

Background: Long-term use of central venous catheters is common in cancer patients for chemotherapy. The remaining of these catheters after the end of the treatment period can be associated with complications such as thrombosis and catheter fragmentation. Case Report: This report presents a 42-year-old woman with a history of colon cancer whose inner part of the vascular access was detached from the outer part after removing the central venous catheter, and the catheter remained inside the internal jugular vein. After preparing the patient’s chest X-ray, the catheter was removed from the femoral vein by percutaneous retrieval and successfully taken out using the snaring technique. Conclusion: Overall, percutaneous retrieval is a safe way to remove intravascular foreign bodies that can prevent major surgical complications.

Background: Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies has recently increased as a treatment option. Purpose: To report our single-center experience of the percutaneous retrieval of 14 intravascular embolized catheter fragments in children and to conduct a literature review. Material and Methods: MEDLINE databases were searched for case reports and series including children and iatrogenic catheter fragments or guidewires retrieved through percutaneous techniques. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of 14 cases from our institution over a 14-year period. A total of 27 studies were selected comprising 74 children, plus our 14 unpublished cases. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel version 2016. Results: Port catheter fragments and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were the most embolized foreign bodies and the pulmonary artery was the most common site of embolization in 44.1% of cases. Analysis of the retrieval technique demonstrated a preference for extraction through the femoral vein (81.7%) and using snare techniques (93.5%). The success rate of percutaneous retrieval was 96.6% with only 1.1% of procedure-related complications. Patients were asymptomatic in 77.2% of cases, presented septic complications in 2.3%, and no deaths were reported. Median fluoroscopy time was 10 min (range = 1.7–80 min) and median procedure length was 60 min (range = 35–208 min). Conclusion: Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is a feasible, safe, and efficient technique in children and should be considered the preferred treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a 73-year-old male patient with an unusual complication of a broken coronary stent catheter during percutaneous coronary angioplasty, which was successfully retrieved by balloon trapping and pulling-back method, along with literature review of similar cases.

A distinctive complication with balloon-expandable (BE) THV platforms such as the Edwards Sapien (Edwards Lifescience) is the possibility of balloon rupture during THV deployment. Balloon rupture is a rare occurrence that can result in stroke due to fragment embolism, incomplete THV expansion, and/or vascular injury upon retrieval of the balloon. Careful evaluation of preoperative computed tomography is essential to identify high-risk cases. While annular and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification are widely acknowledged as common risks for balloon injury, it's essential to note that balloon injury can manifest at various anatomical sites. In this review, we discuss the mechanism behind balloon rupture, methods to identify cases at a heightened risk of balloon injury, approaches to mitigate the risk of rupture, and percutaneous retrieval strategies., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Résumé: Les migrations de cathéters veineux centraux dans les cavités cardiaques droites ou les artères pulmonaires sont des complications non exceptionnelles. La migration dans les veines hépatiques est beaucoup plus rare. À la lumière d'un cas clinique, nous décrivons la technique d'extraction par lasso d'un cathéter de chambre implantable situé entre une veine hépatique accessoire et l'oreillette droite d'un patient. Central venous catheter migrations in the right heart cavities or pulmonary arteries are non-exceptional complications. Migration into the hepatic veins is much rarer. In the light of a clinical case, we describe the technique of lasso extraction of an implantable chamber catheter located between an accessory hepatic vein and the right atrium of a patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Totally implantable venous access systems (TIVAS), Swan-Ganz (SG) and central venous catheters (CVC) allow easy and repetitive entry to the central cardiovascular system. Fragments of them may be released inadvertently into the cardiovascular system during their insertion or as a result of mechanical complications encountered during long-term utilization. Aim : To present results of percutaneous retrieval of embolized fragments of central venous devices or knotted SG and review the procedural aspects with a series of detailed angiographies. Material and methods : Between January 2003 and December 2012 there were 14 (~0.025%) successful retrievals in 13 patients (44 ±16 years, 15% females) of embolized fragments of TIVAS (n = 10) or CVC (n = 1) or of dislodged guide-wires (n = 2) or knotted SG (n = 1). Results : Foreign bodies with the forward end located in the right ventricle (RV), as well as those found in the pulmonary artery (PA), often required repositioning with a pigtail catheter as compared to those catheter fragments which were located in the right atrium (RA) and/or great vein and possessed an accessible free end allowing their direct ensnarement with the loop snare (57.0% (4/7) vs. 66.7% (2/3) vs. 0.0% (0/3); p = 0.074 respectively). Procedure duration was 2–3 times longer among catheters retrieved from the PA than among those with the forward edge located in the RV or RA (30 (18–68) vs. 13.5 (11–37) vs. 8 min (8–13); p = 0.054 respectively). The SG catheter knotted in the vena cava superior (VCS) was encircled with the loop snare introduced transfemorally, subsequently cut at its skin entrance and then pulled down inside the 14 Fr vascular sheath. Conclusions : By using the pigtail catheter and the loop snare, it is feasible to retrieve centrally embolized fragments or knotted central venous access devices.

Objectives: Although rare, incidents of broken/dislodged fragment of various angioplasty hardwares, including catheters, guidewires, angioplasty balloons, and stents, are being increasingly reported in recent years. Since these broken fragments may cause life-threatening consequences for a patient, it is vital for an interventional cardiologist to be acquainted with different retrieval techniques. Here, we are reporting our observations of several incidents of device dislodgement/fracture during cardiac interventions and their retrieval using simple balloon method. Methods: We present a study of eight patients in whom we attempted to retrieve dislodged/fractured cath-lab hardwares during cardiac interventions, using simple balloon method. These cases include two cases of balloon, three cases of stent, and three cases of guidewire dislodgement/fracture. Results: Fractured/dislodged cath-lab hardwares were successfully retrieved using a simple balloon method in six out of eight cases (75%), without any need of other retrieval hardwares. We observed no major complications in any patient. Conclusions: The balloon-assisted retrieval method is a simple, safe, and cost-effective way to avoid complications of endothelial injury, myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass graft, and sudden cardiac death. This study, particularly the context of retrieval technique used in each case, will offer valuable information to fellow interventional cardiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several types of intravascular devices and catheters are frequently used for long-term drug therapy, especially for oncological patients. As a result, complications are becoming increasingly common, namely catheter embolization. Retrieving these devices is important, as embolized fragments may lead to serious consequences, such as arrhythmias, myocardial injury, thrombosis, infection, and even perforation and death. We describe 2 cases of long-term drug catheter (Port-A-Cath) fracture, incidentally documented in a routine chest radiograph. In both cases, percutaneous extraction was attempted, yet the procedure was complicated by embolization of smaller fragments into the arterial pulmonary vasculature. We describe unusual approaches in successfully retrieving the remaining fragments. The ideal approaches for removal of foreign bodies from the cardiovascular system differ from case to case, but percutaneous extraction should be preferred in most of the cases. Less common techniques may be helpful in challenging cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body can be done by snares, biopsy forceps, dormia basket or tip deflecting wires. Herein, we report percutaneous retrieval a fractured multipurpose diagnostic catheter by balloon assisted technique in a 10-months old baby while doing device closure of a patent ductus arteriosus. The catheter got fractured at the junction of shaft and the tip while manipulation to right ventricular outflow tract during antegrade wiring. The fractured proximal end was trapped at the tip of venous sheath which was successfully wired with percutaneous coronary angioplasty wire and retrieved with the help of 1.5 × 10 mm and 2 × 10 mm Maverick balloon (Boston scientific; USA). This is the first ever report of balloon assisted retrieval of intravascular foreign body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral catheter embolization to the heart is common but infrequently reported. In view of the hazardous complications of thrombosis, embolism, infection, arrhythmia and even death, percutaneous retrieval of such foreign bodies is usually attempted. Previously reported percutaneous technique of retrieval mainly involved the snaring technique. Herein, we report a novel nonsurgical retrieval technique for successful removal of a 46 cm long embolized intracardiac peripherally inserted central catheter by utilizing a flexible biopsy forceps. To the best of our knowledge, the use of flexible biopsy forceps for retrieval has hitherto been unreported and this case report therefore adds to the repertoire of percutaneous retrieval techniques for safe and easy removal of embolized catheters to the heart.

Incidents of broken balloon in a coronary vasculature during percutaneous coronary angioplasty are very rare. Such events in cath-lab may create panic and can be life threatening for patients. Hence, immediate retrieval of broken balloon becomes vital. Here, we report an unusual complication of broken balloon in the mid portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which had a calcified and totally occluded in-stent restenotic lesion. The broken balloon was retrieved successfully with no eventual complication using a simple catheterassisted balloon-supported retrieval technique. The present case highlights the need for interventional cardiologist to be acquainted with different retrieval techniques.

A 46-year-old female underwent left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with a Watchman LAAC device. During the procedure, the device embolized into the descending aorta. A new device was implanted to the left atrial appendage complete the closure. The displaced device was successfully snared and removed by Amplatz Goose Neck™ Snare Kit. The patient recovered well and suffered from no clinical sequelae.

Peripherally inserted venous ports fracture with embolization in patients who received chemotherapy is a serious and rare complication, and few cases have been reported in children. We report a successful endovascular technique using a snare for retrieving broken peripherally inserted venous ports in a child for chemotherapy. Catheter fragments may cause complications such as cardiac perforation, arrhythmias, sepsis, and pulmonary embolism. A 12-year-old female received chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia through a central venous port implanted into her right subclavian area. The patient completed chemotherapy without complications 6 months ago. Venous port was accidentally fractured during its removal. Chest radiographs of the patient revealed intracardiac catheter fragment extending from the right subclavian to the right atrium (RA) and looping in the RA. The procedure was performed under ketamine and midazolam anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance using a percutaneous femoral vein approach. A snare with triple loops (10 mm in diameter) was used to successfully retrieve the catheter fragments without any complication. Percutaneous transcatheter retrieval of catheter fragments is occasionally extremely useful and should be considered by interventional cardiologists for retrieving migrated catheters and can be chosen before resorting to surgery, which has potential risks related to thoracotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and general anesthesia.

The purpose of this study was to report our experience of percutaneous retrieval of dislodged port catheters with concurrent use of pigtail and loop snare catheters. During a 5-year period at our institute (June 2005 to July 2010), a total of 23 dislodged port catheters were retrieved. The interval between port catheter implantation and dislodged catheter retrieval ranged from 43 days to 1,414 days (mean 586.7 days). The time of delayed retrieval ranged from 1 day to 45 days (mean 4.6 days). All dislodged catheters were retrieved with the concurrent use of pigtail and loop snare catheters via femoral venous route. The prevalence of port catheter dislodgement at our institute was 3.4%. All dislodged port catheters were removed successfully with pigtail and loop snare catheters together. No procedure-related complications were encountered, except for transient arrhythmia in two patients, which required no medication. In conclusion, the concurrent use of pigtail and loop snare catheters is a feasible and easy way for percutaneous retrieval of a dislodged central venous port catheter.

We describe the case of a patient with a previously placed Port-A-Cath who was admitted to hospital for new onset of non-flushing catheter and palpitations with ventricular tachycardia. A chest X-ray and a linogram showed a Port-A-Cath fracture and distal embolization into the right ventricle resulting in ventricular tachycardia. The catheter was removed percutaneously using a Goose Neck snare with no complications and resolution of the ventricular tachycardia. The removed segment demonstrated thrombus. Prompt removal of the embolized catheter fragments should be undertaken given the subtle nature of the embolization and the potential complications.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a promising treatment option in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a high risk of embolic stroke and are not eligible for chronic oral anticoagulation therapy. This procedure, however, can induce several complications. Device embolization can result in a serious situation, requiring immediate and safe device removal. We report two cases in which dislodged LAA occlusion devices were flitting in the left atrium or entrapped in the mitral valve leaflets and were successfully retrieved through a transseptal approach without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Totally implantable venous access systems (TIVAS), Swan-Ganz (SG) and central venous catheters (CVC) allow easy and repetitive entry to the central cardiovascular system. Fragments of them may be released inadvertently into the cardiovascular system during their insertion or as a result of mechanical complications encountered during long-term utilization. Aim: To present results of percutaneous retrieval of embolized fragments of central venous devices or knotted SG and review the procedural aspects with a series of detailed angiographies. Material and methods: Between January 2003 and December 2012 there were 14 (~0.025%) successful retrievals in 13 patients (44 ±16 years, 15% females) of embolized fragments of TIVAS (n = 10) or CVC (n = 1) or of dislodged guide-wires (n = 2) or knotted SG (n = 1). Results: Foreign bodies with the forward end located in the right ventricle (RV), as well as those found in the pulmonary artery (PA), often required repositioning with a pigtail catheter as compared to those catheter fragments which were located in the right atrium (RA) and/or great vein and possessed an accessible free end allowing their direct ensnarement with the loop snare (57.0% (4/7) vs. 66.7% (2/3) vs. 0.0% (0/3); p = 0.074 respectively). Procedure duration was 2-3 times longer among catheters retrieved from the PA than among those with the forward edge located in the RV or RA (30 (18-68) vs. 13.5 (11-37) vs. 8 min (8-13); p = 0.054 respectively). The SG catheter knotted in the vena cava superior (VCS) was encircled with the loop snare introduced transfemorally, subsequently cut at its skin entrance and then pulled down inside the 14 Fr vascular sheath. Conclusions: By using the pigtail catheter and the loop snare, it is feasible to retrieve centrally embolized fragments or knotted central venous access devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology / Türk Kardiyoloji Derneği Arşivi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Umbilical vein catheterization is frequently preferred and a safe route of venous access especially in newborns. However, some cases with breaking and embolization of those catheters have been rarely reported. Herein we present a two-and-a-half-month-old infant being catheterized within first postnatal week and diagnosed to have embolization of the catheter fragment to conjunction of hepatic vein and right atrium. Percutaneous withdrawal of broken catheter was achieved despite several months after the embolization took place. We suggest that transcatheter removal of catheter fragment embolizations may be safe even in late diagnosis cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral catheter embolization to the heart is common but infrequently reported. In view of the hazardous complications of thrombosis, embolism, infection, arrhythmia and even death, percutaneous retrieval of such foreign bodies is usually attempted. Previously reported percutaneous technique of retrieval mainly involved the snaring technique. Herein, we report a novel nonsurgical retrieval technique for successful removal of a 46 cm long embolized intracardiac peripherally inserted central catheter by utilizing a flexible biopsy forceps. To the best of our knowledge, the use of flexible biopsy forceps for retrieval has hitherto been unreported and this case report therefore adds to the repertoire of percutaneous retrieval techniques for safe and easy removal of embolized catheters to the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Herz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Relatamos o caso de um paciente com cateter vascular de longa permanência embolizado para o ventrículo direito. Este caso ganha peculiaridade por estarem as duas extremidades do cateter indisponíveis para serem laçadas, dificultando a sua captura pelas técnicas convencionais. Descrevemos um novo método para resgatar o corpo estranho através de sua porção central, utilizando apenas um cateter com dois sistemas independentes de "laço" e de "gancho".We report on the case of a patient with a long term vascular catheter embolized into the right ventricle. This case had unique characteristics since both ends of the catheter were inaccessible for snare, which made it difficult to capture them using conventional techniques. We describe a new method to retrieve the foreign body through its mid-point portion, using a single catheter with two independent snare and hook systems.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to treat thromboembolic disease when there is a contraindication to anticoagulation or failure of therapeutic anticoagulation therapy. Although there are retrievable IVC filters available, permanent IVC filters remain the most commonly placed IVC filters worldwide. Permanent IVC filters have been associated with long-term complications such as IVC thrombosis and obstruction, migration, and erosion into surrounding structures. Such complications may require removal of permanent IVC filters, which has been previously described with open surgery involving venotomy of the IVC. We report a case of a Bard Simon Nitinol permanent IVC filter that was removed by using percutaneous endovascular techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Embolization of a catheter fragment is a very rarely seen complication, and few cases have been reported in children. Catheter fragments must be urgently extracted due to life-threatening complications. Most catheter fragments are removed very soon after being lost in the cardiovascular system, including the venous system and right side of the heart. In our report, we describe a child with catheter fragment, which was removed from the left ventricle 32 days after embolization. This catheter fragment was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a gooseneck snare catheter through the femoral artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of vascular lines both venous and arterial in children has significantly increased in the last decade with the potential risk that an intravascular device may become an intravascular foreign body. Percutaneous retrieval by interventional radiology has become an accepted method of foreign body removal. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe a single center's experience of percutaneous intravascular foreign body removal in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: Between January 2000 and December 2008, 18 patients underwent percutaneous intravascular foreign body retrieval as a complication of venous access devices. The mean catheter days were 181.2 catheter days (1 to 1,146 days). A retrospective review was performed and demographic data and clinical information were recorded, including type, duration, location of access device, embolization location and retrieval technique. Results: Eighteen of 19 (94.7%) retrievals were performed with single-loop snares and 1/19 (5.3%) was a triple-loop snare. Seventeen of 19 (89.5%) retrievals were successful. One unsuccessful retrieval was successfully removed by surgery, while the other was retained. Conclusion: Percutaneous intravascular foreign body retrieval by interventional radiologists is a safe and effective method of retrieving embolized fragments from venous access devices in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracardiac or intrapulmonary dislodgement of dialysis catheter or guidewire coating is extremely rare. When present, it can be potentially lethal as it may get complicated by arrhythmias, myocardial or pulmonary artery rupture, valvular perforation, pulmonary thromboembolism, infarction, and infective endocarditis. Percutaneous removal should be attempted as an initial measure and is usually effective in most of the cases. We report 2 such cases, where in first patient it was the hemodialysis catheter which broke, with a large part migrating into the heart, while in second patient, it was the hydrophilic coating of the guidewire that migrated into the pulmonary arteries. Percutaneous retrieval of these foreign bodies was done successfully in both the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraprocedural device dislodgement of a 24-mm Watchman™ left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device occurred in a 83-year-old female with a wide left atrial appendage ostium (broccoli configuration) and a surgical mitral valve reconstruction. Device rested in the atrial cavity. A second stable 12French transseptal electrophysiological sheath and two snares were needed to stabilize, elongate and gently guide the device into the second sheath. One of the snares was unclamped at its proximal end and retrogradely pulled through. After successful retrieval, a 27-mm Watchman™ device could easily be implanted in the very same session via the left delivery sheath. Patient was discharged from hospital in good general health after regular turnaround time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central venous catheter (CVC) fracture with embolization is a serious and rare complication, and few cases have been reported in children. Catheter fragments may cause cardiac perforation, arrythmias, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis. We report the successful retrieval of intracardiac CVC fragments by percutaneous transcatheter technique in two infants, aged 8 and 15 months. Double-lumen 7 French Hickman CVCs were accidentally fractured during their removal. Chest radiographs of the two patients revealed migrated intracardiac catheter fragments extending from the superior vena cava (SVC) to the right atrium and from the SVC to the right ventricle, respectively. The procedure was performed under ketamine anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance using a percutaneous femoral vein approach. Nitinol Amplatz Goose Neck™ snares (10 mm in diameter) were used to successfully retrieve the catheter fragments without any complication. Percutaneous transcatheter retrieval of catheter fragments using Goose Neck snare is a safe and successful technique and can be chosen before resorting to surgery, which has potential risks related to general anesthesia, thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For a dislodged port catheter, percutaneous retrieval by using a loop snare or a basket is the standard technique, with high success. However, once a loop snare fails, the likelihood of success with other tools is considered low. Purpose: To report our experience of percutaneous retrieval of dislodged port catheters and to emphasize the usefulness of grasping forceps. Material and Methods: During a 6-year period, a total of 25 dislodged port catheters were retrieved in our institute. The interval between port catheter implantation and dislodged catheter retrieval was 3-85 months (mean 23 months). The time of delayed retrieval ranged from 3 to 604 days (mean 58 days). A loop snare or grasping forceps were used via either the femoral or jugular route. Results: The prevalence of port catheter dislodgement was 0.4% in our institute. All dislodged port catheters were successfully removed, including four patients with delayed retrieval of more than 90 days. A loop snare was used in 20 patients, with technical success in 18. Grasping forceps were used in seven patients, all with success (including the two patients who failed by initial use of a loop snare). No procedure-related complications were encountered, except transient arrhythmia in four patients requiring no medication. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of port catheter dislodgement is low, percutaneous attempts at retrieval should be performed in all patients, even in chronic settings. A loop snare is the instrument of choice for retrieval. Grasping forceps can be used as an auxiliary instrument, especially in patients where a loop snare fails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of an inferior vena cava filter has an important role in the management of patients who are at high risk for development of pulmonary embolism. Migration is a rare but known complication of inferior vena cava filter placement. We herein describe a case of a prophylactic retrievable vena cava filter migrating to the right ventricle in a bariatric patient. The filter was retrieved percutaneously by transjugular approach and the patient did well postoperatively. A review of the current literature is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports our experience with endovascular techniques for the retrieval of lost or misplaced intravascular objects. Over 12 years, 78 patients were referred for interventional retrieval of intravascular foreign objects. In this retrospective study, radiological procedure records and patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine the exact removal procedure in every case, to report success rates, and to identify significant procedure-related complications. Written, informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to the intervention; this retrospective analysis was performed according to the guidelines of the Institutional Review Board. Thirty-six of seventy-eight foreign objects (46%) were located in the venous system, 27 of 78 (35%) in the right heart, and 15 of 78 (19%) in the pulmonary arteries. For foreign object removal, in 71 of 78 (91%) cases a snare loop was used, in 6 of 78 (8%) cases a sidewinder catheter combined with a snare loop was used, and in 1 case (1%) a sidewinder catheter alone was used for foreign object removal. In 68 of 78 (87%) cases, primary success was achieved. In 3 of 78 cases (4%), foreign objects were successfully mobilized to the femoral vessels and surgically removed. In 7 of 78 cases (9%), complete removal of the foreign object was not possible. In 5 of 78 cases (6%), minor complications occurred during the removal procedure. In conclusion, endovascular retrieval of lost or misplaced intravascular objects is highly effective, with relatively few minor complications. On the basis of our findings, these techniques should be considered as the therapy of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Port-A catheter fracture with embolization is a serious complication. The percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies avoids the need for surgery in this high risk population. We report on 14 patients who underwent percutaneous retrieval of dislodged Port-A catheters by loop retriever. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients who had undergone percutaneous foreign body retrieval between 2002 and 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. In all procedures, retrieval of foreign bodies was performed using a 6.3-F angled wire loop retriever. Results: The percutaneous retrieval procedure was successful in all 14 patients. Repositioning of the foreign body was done in seven cases using an RC1 catheter for the intracardiac Port-A catheter fragments. Additional surgery was not required. No further complications, such as damage to the vascular wall, were noted. Conclusion: With the increasing use of indwelling catheters and interventional devices, we are frequently confronted with the problem of dislodged catheters. The percutaneous approach should be considered as the first choice when trying to resolve the problem of an embolized catheter in the cardiovascular system. [Tzu Chi Med J 2008;20(1):40–43] [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A patient with type I dissection of the thoracic aorta inadvertently had a Swan-Ganz catheter sutured to the right atrium during surgical repair of the dissection. A method for its removal using percutaneous passage of a No. 15 scalpel blade is described. The hazards of Swan-Ganz catheters are explored, and the changing roles of nonsurgical interventional procedures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catheter and guidewire fragments left remaining in the cardiovascular system induce a high incidence of morbidity. Percutaneous removal of these fragments was attempted in 13 patients, with complete success in 10, partial success in two, and the fragment was extraluminal in one patient. Technique of foreign body removal and problems encountered are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripherally inserted venous ports fracture with embolization in patients who received chemotherapy is a serious and rare complication, and few cases have been reported in children. We report a successful endovascular technique using a snare for retrieving broken peripherally inserted venous ports in a child for chemotherapy. Catheter fragments may cause complications such as cardiac perforation, arrhythmias, sepsis, and pulmonary embolism. A 12-year-old female received chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia through a central venous port implanted into her right subclavian area. The patient completed chemotherapy without complications 6 months ago. Venous port was accidentally fractured during its removal. Chest radiographs of the patient revealed intracardiac catheter fragment extending from the right subclavian to the right atrium (RA) and looping in the RA. The procedure was performed under ketamine and midazolam anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance using a percutaneous femoral vein approach. A snare with triple loops (10 mm in diameter) was used to successfully retrieve the catheter fragments without any complication. Percutaneous transcatheter retrieval of catheter fragments is occasionally extremely useful and should be considered by interventional cardiologists for retrieving migrated catheters and can be chosen before resorting to surgery, which has potential risks related to thoracotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]