Removal of Intravascular Foreign Bodies With a Simple Low-Cost Method: A Report of 5 Cases

Intravascular embolization of hemodialysis and central venous catheters is a rare but potentially serious complication. With the increasing use of catheters in medical practice, we are often faced with this type of complication. Novel, simple, and low-cost techniques are needed for foreign body extraction in order to reduce cardiovascular risks.

We describe the approach of 5 foreign body embolization cases. Case 1: a 57-year-old woman with end-stage renal failure with a complete fracture and migration of the distal extremity of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 2: a 55-year-old man with an accidental embolization of the distal portion of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 3: a 76-year-old woman with stage IV breast cancer and an accidental embolization of a central venous catheter guidewire. Cases 4 and 5: a 71-year-old woman and a 2-year-old boy with a port-a-cath embolization. All the patients underwent successful minimally invasive removal of the foreign bodies from the thoracic site using 5Fr pigtail catheters. Additional surgery was not required. No further complications, such as damage to the vascular wall, were noted.

Our experience with the interlacing and traction pigtail show that it is a simple, practical, and low-cost technical alternative and its benefits should be widespread.