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Guide wire outer coat shearing and embolisation: an unusual complication of pericardiocentesis

S C Reddy1, P Kamath, K K Talwar

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Insights

A guide wire fractured during pericardiocentesis, embolizing to the pulmonary artery. This foreign body was successfully retrieved using a pervenous approach, highlighting a rare complication and its effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pericardial sac.
  • Guide wires are commonly used in cardiovascular interventions.
  • Complications, though rare, can occur during invasive procedures.

Observation:

  • A case of guide wire shearing during pericardiocentesis is presented.
  • The fractured guide wire embolized to the pulmonary artery.
  • This represents an unusual foreign body complication.

Findings:

  • Successful retrieval of the embolized guide wire fragment.
  • The pervenous method was employed for foreign body removal.
  • Demonstrates the feasibility of endovascular techniques for managing such complications.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of guide wire damage during pericardiocentesis.
  • Emphasizes the importance of vigilance for procedural complications.
  • Showcases the pervenous approach as a viable treatment option for pulmonary artery foreign bodies.

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