[Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body from the pulmonary artery]

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular iatrogenic foreign bodies is an important part of interventional radiology. Foreign body retrieval from the pulmonary artery is, however, not easy, and only a few cases reports have appeared in the literature. The authors have successfully removed dislodged CV catheter fragments from the pulmonary artery in 8 patients. Combined use of a long sheath and a balloon catheter is very helpful for this retrieval. The long sheath, originally designed for myocardial biopsy, is safely advanced to the pulmonary artery over the balloon catheter. Foreign bodies can be easily caught with a retrieval basket or snare, which is passed through the sheath. Another convenient device is a "balloon snare," which is a hand-made loop snare with an angiographic balloon catheter and a guide wire. For safe and easy retrieval of foreign bodies from the pulmonary artery, we recommend the combined use of a long sheath and a balloon catheter, or a "balloon snare."