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Successful late non-surgical removal of intracardiac catheter fragment
British Heart Journal
|October 1, 1982
Insights
A retained intracardiac catheter fragment was found in a patient over two years after aortic valve replacement. The fragment was successfully removed using a percutaneous catheter technique.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Retained surgical materials pose a risk for patients, potentially leading to complications.
- Aortic valve replacement is a common cardiac procedure, and catheter use is frequent.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of subacute bacterial endocarditis and supraventricular tachycardia.
- Extensive investigations and multiple hospital admissions occurred over two years without identifying the cause.
Findings:
- A retained intracardiac catheter fragment, detached more than two years prior, was identified as the likely cause.
- Percutaneous catheter retrieval of the fragment was successful, despite the prolonged interval.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering retained foreign bodies in patients with unexplained symptoms, even years after procedures.
- Percutaneous retrieval is a viable option for managing intracardiac foreign bodies, regardless of the time elapsed.
- Improved imaging and vigilance can aid in early detection of retained intracardiac fragments.
Abstract:
A patient was discovered to have a retained intracardiac catheter fragment more than two years after successful aortic valve replacement. During this time the patient had had extensive investigations and several hospital admissions for suspected subacute bacterial endocarditis, as well as for episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. The catheter fragment was successfully removed via a percutaneous catheter approach despite the very long interval that had elapsed since its detachment.