Intra-operative echocardiography: a useful tool in the localization of small intracardiac foreign bodies

Small intracardiac foreign bodies may be difficult to palpate and localize at surgery using conventional diagnostic procedures. The use of intra-operative echocardiography greatly facilitates the localization of intramyocardial foreign bodies, and minimizes operative time and iatrogenic myocardial damage. A case is presented in which this diagnostic modality was used.