Nonsurgical removal of intravascular foreign bodies.

With increasing use of indwelling venous catheters, embolization of intravascular catheter fragments has become a well-known complication. Because of the high risk and serious complications, embolized fragments should be retrieved whenever possible. Four cases of successful nonsurgical percutaneous catheter retrieval (two adults and two children) are described using a wire loop and a hook-shaped catheter technique. The method described allow a safe and rapid retrieval and should always precede surgical exploration.