Why the study?
Can a broken segment of a steel spring guide be retrieved non-surgically from the right atrium and inferior vena cava?
Can a broken segment of a steel spring guide be retrieved non-surgically from the right atrium and inferior vena cava?
Non-surgical retrieval of broken intravascular guides is feasible, highlighting the need for accessible retrieval instruments and re-evaluation of guide design.
Non-surgical retrieval may be feasible in select cases; leaves open needs for dedicated tools and prospective safety data.
The recovery of a broken segment of a steel spring guide from the right atrium and inferior vena cava without surgical intervention has been reported. The ready accessibility of an adequate instrument for retrieval of such intravascular bodies is recommended. It is possible that such an instrument may be also designed for myocardial biopsy. The relative ease of breakage probably points to a defect in the guides and a re-evaluation of the design and manufacture seems to be indicated.
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Thomas et al. (1964) studied this question.