Percutaneous retrieval of a chronic foreign body with both intravascular and extravascular components

Removal of unwanted intravascular foreign body is a useful but infrequent procedure carried out by interventional radiologists. We study a patient who had a long guidewire left in her body following central venous catheter placement by a surgeon. The guidewire was later found in situ, with both intravascular and extravascular components in continuity. We successfully removed the guidewire without causing any complications. Standard interventional techniques, Amplatz gooseneck snare (Microvena, White Bear Lake, MN, USA) and 6-Fr Multipurpose catheter were used.