Percutaneous Retrieval of Retained-Fractured Dilator in the Ascending Aorta: A Case Report

Retained endovascular foreign bodies, when inadvertently left behind after vascular interventions, can result in severe complications. In addition to common complications such as thrombosis, sepsis, and bacterial endocarditis, rigid and slender foreign bodies may cause embolization to branch vessels, vascular endothelial damage, arterial dissection, vascular perforation, and removal difficulties. Here, we present a case involving the endovascular retrieval of a 20 cm dilator from the ascending aorta.