[Catheter embolism. Method of bloodless extraction]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Device Retrieval

Context:

• Foreign bodies in the heart and large vessels pose significant clinical challenges.
• Polythene catheter fragments, metal spindles, and Pudenz catheters are common iatrogenic foreign bodies.
• Timely and safe retrieval is crucial to prevent thromboembolism and other complications.

Purpose:

• To comprehensively review and analyze global literature on techniques for retrieving intravascular foreign bodies.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-surgical retrieval methods.
• To present case studies utilizing specific retrieval catheters.

Summary:

• A review of 174 reported cases of non-surgical retrieval of foreign bodies from the heart and large vessels.
• Detailed analysis of techniques employed for retrieving polythene catheter fragments, metal spindles, and Pudenz catheters.
• Includes two personal cases of successful retrieval using a Deyhle-Seubert catheter.

Impact:

• Provides a consolidated overview of current non-surgical retrieval strategies for intravascular foreign bodies.
• Offers valuable insights for clinicians managing patients with retained medical device fragments.
• Highlights the utility of specialized catheters in complex retrieval procedures.