Retrieval of Right Heart Fragments from Implanted Venous Access Catheters in Patients with Malignancy

Chronically implanted venous access catheters are frequently used in patients with malignancy. Fracture and embolization of these catheters may occur during placement, chronic use, or removal. We report four consecutive cases of percutaneous retrieval of catheter fragments from the right heart circulation. A snare formed from an exchange length angioplasty guidewire inserted through a guiding catheter was used successfully in all four patients without complications. Resolution of arrhythmias, chest discomfort, and infection followed the retrieval of the fragments. As larger numbers of patients receive chronically implanted venous catheters, the invasive cardiologist must be familiar with methods of removal. (J Interven Cardiol 1989:2:4)