Transluminal extraction of intracardiac embolized catheter fragments in children

Abstract

The frequent use of central venous catheters for administration of fluids and especially ventriculovenous shunts in children sometimes lead to embolisations of catheter fragments. Because of the potential complications, extraction of the fragments is mandatory. In 5 children aged 1.8 to 7.8 years fragments were removed from the right heart and the pulmonary artery by use of a loop snare, a helical basket or a myocardial biopsy catheter. In four cases the fragment was the distal part of a ventriculoatrial shunt, in one case the central part of a silastic catheter had accidentally advanced into the pulmonary artery. In two cases adhesions of the fragment to the wall of the pulmonary artery impeded the extraction.