Sometimes when central venous catheters are removed or otherwise manipulated, portions of the catheter can shear-off. The free fragment migrates centrally and can become lodged in the pulmonary arteries. Such a catheter fragment is shown above (arrows). Also shown is an angiographic catheter.
With the injection of contrast, the catheter fragment is outlined.
Angiographic snares are small lasso-type devices used for just such occasions. The above image shows the end of the catheter fragment (small arrows) and the snare (large arrow). The snare is around the fragment and is ready to cinch-down to grab the fragment.
Here the snare is being retracted (with the catheter fragment) and withdrawn through the angiographic sheath in the groin used for access.
Catheter Fragment Snared from the Pulmonary Artery |
