Percutaneous Retrieval of Dislodged Port-A Catheters by Loop Retriever

Objective: Port-A catheter fracture with embolization is a serious complication. The percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies avoids the need for surgery in this high risk population. We report on 14 patients who underwent percutaneous retrieval of dislodged Port-A catheters by loop retriever. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients who had undergone percutaneous foreign body retrieval between 2002 and 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. In all procedures, retrieval of foreign bodies was performed using a 6.3-F angled wire loop retriever. Results: The percutaneous retrieval procedure was successful in all 14 patients. Repositioning of the foreign body was done in seven cases using an RC1 catheter for the intracardiac Port-A catheter fragments. Additional surgery was not required. No further complications, such as damage to the vascular wall, were noted. Conclusion: With the increasing use of indwelling catheters and interventional devices, we are frequently confronted with the problem of dislodged catheters. The percutaneous approach should be considered as the first choice when trying to resolve the problem of an embolized catheter in the cardiovascular system.