Unintentionally retained vascular devices: improving recognition and removal

The increased demand for minimally invasive placement of intravascular medical devices has led to increased procedure-related complications, including retention of all or part of the implanted device. A number of risk factors can predispose to unintentionally retained vascular devices (uRVD); most are technical in etiology. Despite best efforts to insert and remove vascular devices properly, uRVD still occur. Prevention or early identification of uRVD is ideal; however, procedural complications are not always recognized at the time of device insertion or removal. In these cases, early radiologic diagnosis is important to enable expeditious removal and reduction of morbidity, mortality, and medicolegal consequences. The diagnostic radiologist's role is to identify suspected uRVD and ensure proper communication of the findings to the referring clinician. The diagnostic radiologist can implement various strategies to increase detection of uRVD and advise the referring clinician regarding the use of minimally invasive percutaneous techniques for safe removal of uRVD.