Magnetic loop basket: a “two-in-one” instrument

Background and study aims: Ingested coins are the most common foreign bodies encountered in the upper gastrointestinal tract in India and if they remain in the stomach for more than 5 days they need to be removed. Ferromagnetic retrieval instruments only work if the coins are ferromagnetic; and it is difficult to maneuver a loop basket in the fundus of the stomach. A magnetic loop basket was designed in an effort to overcome these difficulties and we assessed its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness in the removal of coins from the fundus of the stomach. Patients and methods: Twenty patients with a history of ingested coins were scheduled for removal of the coins using the magnetic loop basket. The time taken, complications, and failure rates were recorded. Results: Twelve ferromagnetic coins were removed in a mean time of 60 seconds (range 30-90 seconds) and eight non-ferromagnetic coins were removed in a mean time of 150 seconds (range 90-180 seconds) without any failures or complications. Conclusion: The magnetic loop basket is a safe, effective, and quick method for removing both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic metallic coins.