Device Embolization in Structural Heart Interventions: Incidence, Outcomes, and Retrieval Techniques

Device embolization is a rare complication of transcatheter structural heart interventions. Although the majority of device embolizations can be treated in a semielective manner, some are life threatening and require prompt intervention. Awareness of this potential complication, and knowledge of retrieval tools and techniques are essential to the structural interventionalist. This paper offers a succinct review of the incidence, and outcomes of device embolization during common structural heart interventions. It also provides an overview of the essential component of the "percutaneous retrieval toolbox" and suggests a systematic algorithmic approach for the management of device embolization.