Accidental embolization of an intravenous cannula in the upper limb: retrieval following computed tomography localization.

Embolization of small foreign body particles from peripheral veins to the heart or lungs is an uncommon occurrence and, once released into the circulation, localization and retrieval may be difficult. We present a case of accidental separation and embolization of a 28 mm long distal portion of a polytetrafluoroethylene intravenous cannula that was sited in a superficial right wrist vein. The fragment travelled as far as the antecubital fossa prior to the application of a tourniquet. It was then accurately located in the cephalic vein using contiguous axial computed tomography with reconstructions, and was easily retrieved under local anaesthesia. A management approach to this uncommon but potentially serious problem is suggested.