Heart embolization with the Kirschner wire without cardiac tamponade

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Foreign body embolization to the heart is a known complication.
• Kirschner wires are commonly used in orthopedic procedures for fracture fixation.

Observation:

• A 67-year-old female presented with a unique medical event.
• A 13.5 cm, unbroken Kirschner wire, previously used for shoulder trauma fixation two years prior, embolized to the heart.

Findings:

• The embolized Kirschner wire was found within the heart.
• Despite the wire's size and location, the patient did not develop cardiac tamponade.
• This specific presentation of an unbroken Kirschner wire embolus to the heart is novel.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for delayed complications from orthopedic hardware.
• Underscores the importance of vigilance in diagnosing unusual foreign body migrations.
• Contributes to the literature on rare cardiovascular complications following orthopedic interventions.