Safe retrieval of embolized patent ductus arteriosus coil via left thoracotomy.

During transcatheter occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus, one potential complication is that the coil can embolize into one of the branch pulmonary arteries or the aorta. It is often possible to remove this coil percutaneously, but at times, surgical intervention is required. The present report describes a case in which the coil migrated to the left pulmonary artery and repeated attempts to retrieve the coil were unsuccessful. A left thoracotomy was performed, the coil was removed and the patent ductus arteriosus was ligated.