Percutaneous retrieval of a fractured multipurpose catheter by an indigenous snare in a 25-year-old patient: a safe and feasible approach

Since the first report of percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body in 1964, it has become a favourite approach for intravascular foreign body removal. Snares, biopsy forceps, dormia basket or tip deflecting wires are available options for this approach. Herein, we report percutaneous retrieval a fractured multipurpose catheter by an indigenous snare in a 25-year-old patient. The patient was a 25-year-old male being admitted with ostium secundum atrial septal defect and catheterization study was planned for shunt quantification. During manipulation to right ventricular outflow tract, multipurpose catheter got broken approx. 4 cm. proximal to tip. The broken part was captured through right femoral vein by a self-constructed snare. While removal, it broke at tip of venous sheath. Smaller one was retrieved and bigger was recaptured and finally retrieved by exaggerating the curve of same snare without any complications. Use of snares for intravascular foreign body removal is frequently reported and has been successful with low complication rates.Since the first report of percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body in 1964, it has become a favourite approach for intravascular foreign body removal. Snares, biopsy forceps, dormia basket or tip deflecting wires are available options for this approach. Herein, we report percutaneous retrieval a fractured multipurpose catheter by an indigenous snare in a 25-year-old patient. The patient was a 25-year-old male being admitted with ostium secundum atrial septal defect and catheterization study was planned for shunt quantification. During manipulation to right ventricular outflow tract, multipurpose catheter got broken approx. 4 cm. proximal to tip. The broken part was captured through right femoral vein by a self-constructed snare. While removal, it broke at tip of venous sheath. Smaller one was retrieved and bigger was recaptured and finally retrieved by exaggerating the curve of same snare without any complications. Use of snares for intravascular foreign body removal is frequently reported and has been successful with low complication rates