Aspiration technique for percutaneous endovascular retrieval of contraceptive device embolized to the pulmonary vasculature

Abstract

Contraceptive implant migration into the pulmonary circulation is an uncommon, but potentially serious complication. We describe an “aspiration” technique for percutaneous retrieval of a contraceptive implant from a subsegmental pulmonary artery, using a Penumbra Neuron MAX 088 guiding catheter and a Merit Medical VacLok Vacuum Pressure Syringe, as an alternative to the previously described snare technique. Our patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the same day.

Endovascular retrieval of a migrated contraceptive implant into the pulmonary artery : case report and review of literature

“…In the literature, we found 14 reports of removal attempts as the first therapeutic option, 4 of which were done surgically and 10 endovascularly (Table 1 ). Two endovascular techniques have been described for subcutaneous device removal: the aspiration technique [ 14 ] and the loop snare technique [ 5 , 9 – 13 , 15 – 17 ]. The loop snare technique is the first choice to attempt removal of an intravascular foreign body.…”