Nonsurgical removal of intravascular fragmented catheter.

Embolization of a fragmented catheter in the vasculature is a serious complication. In two patients with catheter fragment emboli, one in the pulmonary artery and one in the right jugular vein, a nonsurgical technique was effective in removing the fragments. Because nonoperative techniques are simple, safe and cost-efficient, they should be considered the method of choice for managing this complication.