Paradoxical embolization of a fractured guidewire: successful retrieval from left atrium using a snare device

Successful retrieval of broken coiled guidewire from left atrium during balloon mitral valvotomy: a rare complication

Abstract Balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) is the procedure of choice for rheumatic mitral stenosis with favorable valve morphology. Fracture of 0.025 inch coiled guidewire during BMV is a very rare complication. The various factors which may cause this complication are utilization of reused hardware, improper placement of guidewire, abnormal angulation between guidewire and dilator with forceful septal dilation and rarely manufacturing defect. Here, we report successful retrieval of broken 0.025 inch coiled guidewire from left atrium during BMV using 10F Amplatzer long sheath without any complication.

The dos and do knots of central venous catheterization

Central venous catheterization plays an important role in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Placement of a right subclavian hemodialysis catheter was complicated by looping and entrapment of the guidewire. Computed tomographic and three-dimensional scans were essential in locating and determining that the guidewire was outside the vessel.

Detached tip of a transseptal sheath during left atrial ablation

Left atrial ablation has become more commonplace with the advent of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. A number of transseptal sheaths have been produced to enhance safe and efficient catheter manipulation in the left atrium (LA) for these procedures. Some of the sheaths have been subject to recall due to partial or complete detachment of its radiopaque tip. We report a case of a 46 year-old female diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy that presented with atypical left atrial flutter. During electrophysiologic study, a Swartz braided SL1 (SL-1) transseptal sheath was used to introduce the ablation catheter to the left atrium. During left atrial mapping, the radiopaque tip of the sheath detached from the rest of the sheath and was seen floating in the LA. After exchanging the SL-1 sheath with a deflectable sheath, the detached segment was retrieved out of the LA and eventually out of the vascular system using an angioplasty balloon advanced over a wire and inflated distal to the lumen of the detached tip. The root cause of this malfunction was found to be lack of a secondary bonding process that these sheaths generally undergo during the manufacturing process. We describe the case of a left atrial ablation procedure where a novel percutaneous method was able to successfully retrieve the detached tip of a transseptal sheath from the vascular system, thereby avoiding a potential catastrophic complication or thoracotomy. This method may be useful in other cases where similar circumstances may present.

Removal of broken balloon mitral valvotomy coiled guidewire from giant left atrium using indigenous snare

Balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) is a safe and effective therapy for rheumatic mitral stenosis. During the procedure, the coiled portion of 0.025 in. stainless steel BMV guidewire broke off within the giant left atrium (LA). Attempts to retrieve the guidewire with various snares failed as it was moving freely within the voluminous LA. We describe a technique wherein the broken guidewire was retrieved with a snare made of 0.014 in. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty guidewire. The mechanism and prevention of this complication and management options are discussed.

Intravascular foreign bodies: danger of unretrieved fragmented medical devices

A warning on the danger of unretrieved device fragments and recommendations to mitigate the danger were issued by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2008. The causes of intravascular foreign bodies are classified into three main categories: improper manipulation and usage, device defects, and others, such as patient and anatomical factors. Device failure after long-term use is rarely predicted at the time of approval, since device abnormality is rarely experienced in animal studies and clinical trials conducted during development of the device. Stent fracture due to metal fatigue is one example. Complex complications could occur from simultaneous use of two or more devices with diverse characteristics. The success rate of percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies has improved with the advances in commercially available devices. However, the procedure is not always successful and sometimes surgical removal becomes necessary. Appropriate device selection and acquisition of experience in using the device are important. When an intravascular foreign body cannot be retrieved, the risk of complication could be high. Magnetic resonance imaging examination sometimes causes adverse events, including burns due to the heat generated by metal movement. Such information should be correctly recorded. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide patients with adequate information about the characteristics of implanted devices and unretrieved fragments. We reviewed the literature on unretrieved medical device fragments and include articles that describe the Japanese experience.

Case report: managing a knotted Seldinger wire in the subclavian vein during central venous cannulation

PURPOSE

To describe the successful removal of a knotted Seldinger wire from a subclavian vein, and review the design and structure of guidewires to formulate recommendations to minimize complications associated with the Seldinger technique.

CLINICAL FEATURES

An 81-yr-old patient suffered from an intravascular knotting of a Seldinger wire during subclavian venous cannulation. We describe a technique for successful removal of knotted guidewire under fluoroscopic guidance using the vessel dilator of a central venous cannulation kit. In this case, the technique was successful without associated immediate or delayed complications. Although central venous cannulation with the Seldinger technique is a commonly performed procedure, it may result in numerous complications, including kinking, and rarely complete knotting of the guidewire.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough understanding of procedural complications and physical characteristics of the guidewire is vital in order to ensure patient safety when using the Seldinger technique for central venous cannulation. We have reviewed the relevant literature for guidewire design and structure, associated complications, and provide recommendations for safe use of guidewires.

Cateteres intravenosos fraturados: retirada por técnicas endovasculares

OBJETIVO: A colocação de cateter para acesso venoso central é uma prática médica cada vez mais comum, sendo a fratura e embolização de fragmentos do cateter raras, porém correspondem aos corpos estranhos intravasculares mais comuns. O objetivo é demonstrar nossa experiência na retirada desses corpos estranhos intravasculares utilizando técnicas endovasculares. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos últimos cinco anos permitiu a avaliação de dez casos consecutivos, com a idade variando entre nove meses e 67 anos. RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em todos os casos, por diferentes técnicas, sem complicações. Os locais mais comuns de alojamento dos fragmentos foram átrio direito, veia cava superior e artéria pulmonar esquerda. A retirada desses corpos estranhos por técnicas endovasculares é procedimento relativamente simples quando comparado à alternativa cirúrgica, tendo sido utilizada com segurança e sucesso em inúmeros pacientes. Os dispositivos disponíveis mostraram-se bastante eficazes, sendo o laço o mais versátil. CONCLUSÃO: A alta taxa de sucesso com poucas complicações relatadas, mesmo em crianças, permite a afirmação que os corpos estranhos intravenosos devem ser extraídos por técnicas percutâneas sempre que possível. Contudo, a familiarização com as diversas técnicas é fundamental, permitindo combinações e modificações, adaptando-as à situação do caso.

Transluminal Removal of an Embolized Venous Catheter Fragment with Simple Means: A Case Report

Vascular catheters are associated with complications like infection, thrombosis and stenosis. The embolization of a venous catheter fragment is a rare complication. This report presents a successful transluminal removal of an embolized catheter fragment in a 87-year-old patient who underwent on operative revision with renewed resection and postoperative multiorgan failure. The patient needed a large-bore catheter due to acute renal failure. By replacing the central venous catheter using the Seldinger technique a catheter fragment embolized in the right ventricle. This catheter fragment was removed with a Dormia basket.