Minimally-invasive elimination of iatrogenic intravenous foreign bodies: initial experience in five cases

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness, technical points and complications of the minimally-invasive treatment for iatrogenic intravenous foreign bodies. Methods: Five patients with iatrogenic intravenous foreign bodies due to the fracture or shift of venous catheter were enrolled in this study. By using grasping device, which was inserted into the target vein via right femoral vein, the foreign bodies within the venous system were successfully eliminated. Results: The vascular foreign bodies were successfully removed in all five patients, with a success rate of 100%. No operation-related complications, such as vascular rupture, pulmonary embolism, etc. occurred. Conclusion: As a minimally-invasive technique, the use grasping device for removing the iatrogenic vascular foreign bodies has higher success rate; thus, major surgical procedures can be avoided. (authors)