Fixed intravascular foreign bodies: a new method for removal.

Percutaneous removal of centrally located, embolized, intravascular foreign bodies is essential. A technique was developed to shift fixed foreign bodies into a position where they may be grasped and eventually removed with a snare or Dormia basket. It involves insertion by bilateral femoral vein puncture of a curved-end catheter and a second catheter attached to a Dormia basket set. A wire passed through the first catheter is grasped with the Dormia basket, and the foreign body is mobilized by means of traction on both catheter systems.