[Migration of a contraceptive implant into the pulmonary artery]

Each year, in Belgium and Europe, thousands of contraceptive implants are inserted, representing an effective and long-lasting method of contraception. Their ease of use and prolonged duration of action make them a preferred choice for many women. However, although complications are rare, they do exist. Among these, implant migration is one of the most concerning. Its incidence remains extremely low, estimated at approximately 1 case per 100,000. In most cases, this migration is asymptomatic, but it can sometimes cause alarming symptoms. These may include dyspnea, hemoptysis, or, in rare cases, potentially serious vascular injuries. Once the implant becomes endothelialized, its removal becomes more complex. In such situations, therapeutic management must be tailored to the patient's clinical profile and the precise location of the implant. Options range from active surveillance to complex surgical interventions, especially in cases where attempts at removal using endovascular techniques, such as interventional radiology, have failed.