Minimally Invasive Extraction of a Catheter From the Heart Without Thoracotomy

Abstract

Retrieval of an intracardiac catheter by using endovascular devices sometimes fails. That failure has conventionally required thoracotomy and cardiotomy, occasionally with cardiopulmonary bypass, to remove the catheter. These case reports describe a far less invasive way of extracting a foreign body from the heart, by introducing long-shaft forceps through the right internal jugular vein. In this way, one can grasp, manipulate, and remove the foreign body.