RETRIEVAL OF OLD FOREIGN-BODIES FROM THE CARDIOVASCULAR-SYSTEM IN CHILDREN

Several techniques have been developed to retrieve catheter and guide wire fragments that have embolized to the heart and pulmonary vasculat ure, In most instances, retrieval of the embolized fragments is perfor med soon after the event has occurred. In this report, we summarize ou r experience with the removal of these fragments in 3 children after a significant amount of time had elapsed since the time of embolization . The embolized catheter and guide wire fragments were removed without any complications. We also describe the techniques used for their rem oval, and the problems encountered during the removal of these ''old'' foreign bodies. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.