Unique use of a tip-deflecting guide wire in removing a catheter embolus from an infant.

An umbilical catheter fragment embolus in a neonate was difficult to approach due to fixation of both ends, in the left atrial appendage and the ductus venosus, respectively. A tip-deflecting guide wire was used in unique fashion to free the catheter fragment and allow its percutaneous removal via the femoral vein approach.