Removal of a Norplant (R) implant located near a major nerve using interventional radiology-digital subtraction fluoroscopy

Norplant(R) implants can be removed easily, if inserted properly. When they are inserted deeply and can not be palpated, or if they are located close to the neurovascular structures of the upper arm, radiological guidance may be needed to locate and remove the implants without causing injury to the surrounding vital structures. Digital subtraction fluoroscopic guidance is helpful in removing deeply loc ated contraceptive implants and those that are close to the neurovascular s tructures, where blind removal may result in injury to those structures. We describe a case in which an implant that was located close to a major ne rve near the axilla was removed under digital subtraction fluoroscopic guid ance. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.