Ultrasound-guided percutaneous retrieval of transected radial artery catheter

To report our technique for percutaneous ultrasound-guided retrieval of accidentally transected arterial lines.

Two patients are reported herein; in both of these patients, a part of the 20-gauge catheter inserted for invasive monitoring of their blood pressure in the intensive care unit was accidentally transected with part of the catheter remaining in the radial artery. Both patients were initially asymptomatic; therefore, a minimally invasive technique was sought to remove the catheters without inducing significant risk. Under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance at the patient bedside, a 6Fr slender sheath was introduced and with the help of a Fogarty catheter in one case, and in the other case, a 0.014-in hydrophobic wire was used to cannulate the catheter, and it was withdrawn into the sheath and removed with it uneventfully.