[Extraction of intravascular foreign bodies].

OBJECTIVE

Loss or displacement of foreign material within the cardiovascular system is not an uncommon event. Foreign bodies include fragments of diagnosis equipment, ruptured catheters or malpositioned or displaced intravascular prostheses. The incidence has increased with the development of endovascular catheterism and raises the problem of extraction.

METHODS

We report our experience with percutaneous extraction of intravascular foreign bodies.

RESULTS

There were 56 cases. Percutaneous extraction was successful in 53. In 11 cases, the procedure was carried out during a catheterism procedure and in the others the initial event had occurred earlier. The delay to extraction varied from a few hours to several years.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous extraction of intravascular foreign bodies should be attempted before surgical removal, an often difficult high-risk procedure. The literature does not provide data on the frequency of intravascular foreign bodies.