Abstract

• Intravascular embolization of fragments of indwelling intravascular diagnostic polyethylene catheter continues to occur. This causes many complications such as sepsis, thromboembolism, endocarditis and even perforation of cardiac chambers. The author experienced 3 cases of successful retrieval of intravascular iatrogenic catheter foreign bodies which were iocated in right pulmonary artery and inferior vena cava, using loop-snare technique.
  Percutaneous transluminal retrieval of catheter foreign bodies were underwent within 30minutes. There were no complications following retrieval of foreign bodies. This study suggests that the loop-snare technique is a safe and effective method for retrieval of iatrogenic foreign bodies in the great vessels.