Percutaneous removal of pulmonary intravascular foreign bodies in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Interventional Radiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Pulmonary intravascular foreign bodies pose significant risks to children.
• Catheter fragments are a common type of pulmonary foreign body.
• Minimally invasive techniques are preferred for pediatric interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous retrieval of pulmonary intravascular foreign bodies in pediatric patients.
• To assess the success rate and complication profile of this minimally invasive approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort.
• Inclusion of pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous foreign body removal over a 13-year period.
• Review of procedural outcomes and complications.

Main Results:

• Nine pediatric patients were included, with a mean age of 8.6 years.
• Catheter fragments accounted for the majority of foreign bodies (7 out of 9).
• Achieved a 100% success rate in foreign body retrieval with only one transient complication (arrhythmia).

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous retrieval is a safe and highly effective treatment for pulmonary intravascular foreign bodies in children.
• This minimally invasive method offers excellent outcomes and a low complication rate.
• Supports the use of percutaneous techniques as a primary treatment option.