Percutaneous retrieval of a chronic catheter fragment from the left ventricle in a child

Abstract

Embolization of a catheter fragment is a very rarely seen complication, and few cases have been reported in children. Catheter fragments must be urgently extracted due to life-threatening complications. Most catheter fragments are removed very soon after being lost in the cardiovascular system, including the venous system and right side of the heart. In our report, we describe a child with catheter fragment, which was removed from the left ventricle 32 days after embolization. This catheter fragment was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a gooseneck snare catheter through the femoral artery.