A Case of Nonsurgical Retrieval of Foreign Body from Rt. Atrium

ABSTRACT

Since Thomas et al reported the first instance of successful removal of a broken intravascular guidewire without surgical intervention by using a bronchoscopic forceps in 1964, there have been a number of nonsurgical removal of intravascular or intracardiac foreign bodies using the bronchoscopic forceps, loop snare or basket stone catchers. We experienced a successful retrieval of accidentally broken subclavian puncture catheter from right atrium in 76 year old male patient with cerebral infarction admitted to this hospital on May, 1989. By percutaneous catheterization via right basilic vein, using a loop snare which is modified manually by guidewire for PTCA(USIC(R) Teflon coated PTCA Guide wire : ".014"), we removed successfully foreign body from right atrium. Therefore, we report a case of nonsurgical retrieval of foreign body from right atrium with the review of the literature.