Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body in children: a case series and review

Lucas Vatanabe Pazinato1, Tulio Fabiano de Oliveira Leite2, Edgar Bortolini2

  • 1Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.

Insights

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is a safe and effective treatment for children. This minimally invasive technique successfully removes embolized catheter fragments with a high success rate and low complication rate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Device Retrieval

Background:

  • Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is an increasingly utilized treatment.
  • Catheter fragments are common iatrogenic intravascular foreign bodies in children.
  • Embolization of medical devices poses significant risks to pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a single-center experience with percutaneous retrieval of intravascular embolized catheter fragments in children.
  • To review the literature on percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 14 pediatric cases of percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies.
  • A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE for case reports and series involving children and iatrogenic catheter fragments or guidewires.
  • Statistical analysis of combined data from institutional cases and literature review.

Main Results:

  • Port catheter fragments and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were the most common embolized foreign bodies.
  • The pulmonary artery was the most frequent site of embolization (44.1%).
  • Percutaneous retrieval via the femoral vein using snare techniques achieved a 96.6% success rate with a low complication rate (1.1%).

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is a feasible, safe, and efficient technique in children.
  • This minimally invasive approach should be considered the preferred treatment option for pediatric patients with intravascular foreign bodies.
  • The high success rate and low complication profile support the widespread adoption of this technique in pediatric care.
Abstract