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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Magnetically-Assisted Remote Controlled Microcatheter Tip Deflection under Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 4, 2013
Endoscopy-assisted magnetic foreign body removal using a magnetic instrument-a clinical review
Jonas Rowald Petersen1, Jes Sefland Vogt2
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark. jonas.petersen@rn.dk.
Background:
Children often ingest foreign bodies by accident. Ingestion in adolescents is often intentional. Ingested magnets and button batteries can be life-threatening and require endoscopic removal. Magnetic instruments may increase the rate of successful removal of ferromagnetic foreign bodies. The aim is to investigate if foreign body removal using magnetic instruments is superior to conventional removal.
Methods:
A literature search of PubMed was conducted. Ten studies were included and compared in terms of type of ingested foreign body, symptoms, complications, and methods and effectiveness of retrieval.
Results:
Studies mainly included children and adolescents. A variety of foreign bodies had been ingested and were retrieved from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Use of magnetic instruments was superior to conventional endoscopy. The rate of successful foreign body removal increased, and procedures were more efficient. No adverse events were noted.
Conclusion:
Endoscopy-assisted foreign body removal using a magnetic instrument may be superior to conventional endoscopic removal. Further development and research are needed.

