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Case Reports
. 2012 Sep;85(1017):e756-9.
doi: 10.1259/bjr/45761403.

Respiratory-aspirated 35-mm hairpin successfully retrieved with a Teflon® snare system under fluoroscopic guidance via a split endotracheal tube: a useful technique in cases of failed extraction by bronchoscopy and avoiding the need for a thoracotomy

S S Gill  1 , R A Pease, C J Ashwin, S S Gill, N P Tait
Affiliations
Case Reports

Respiratory-aspirated 35-mm hairpin successfully retrieved with a Teflon® snare system under fluoroscopic guidance via a split endotracheal tube: a useful technique in cases of failed extraction by bronchoscopy and avoiding the need for a thoracotomy

S S Gill et al. Br J Radiol. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Respiratory foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common global health problem requiring prompt recognition and early treatment to prevent potentially fatal complications. The majority of FBAs are due to organic objects and treatment is usually via either endoscopic or surgical extraction. FBA of a straight hairpin has been described as a unique entity in the literature, occurring most commonly in females, particularly during adolescence. In the process of inserting hairpins, the pins will typically be between the teeth with the head tilted backwards, while tying their hair with both hands. This position increases the risk of aspiration, particularly if there is any sudden coughing or laughing. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a 35-mm straight metallic hairpin foreign body that has been successfully retrieved by a radiological snare system under fluoroscopic guidance. This was achieved with the use of a split endotracheal tube, and therefore avoided the need for a thoracotomy in an adolescent female patient.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frontal chest radiograph showing an aspirated 35-mm linear foreign body projected over the left heart border.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photographs of (a, b) 35-Fr/Ch split endotracheal tube (Broncho-Cath; Tyco Healthcare Group, Mansfield, MA), which was used to ventilate the contralateral lung on the first snare attempt and both lungs on the second snare attempt; compared with (c) 7.5-mm internal diameter high-contour oral/nasal tracheal tube cuffed; and (d) 10-Fr/Ch suction catheters.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Promotional photographs of the (a) Amplatz GooseNeck™ snare system (Microvena, St Paul, MN) and (b–d) Teflon® (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) snare system (EN Snare™ system; Angiotech, Sarasota, FL).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Single fluoroscopy image showing the initial unsuccessful attempt of pin retrieval by the Amplatz GooseNeck™ snare system (Microvena, St Paul, MN).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Single fluoroscopy image showing successful snaring of the foreign body with the Teflon® (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) snare system (EN Snare™ system; Angiotech, Sarasota, FL) and removal via a vascular sheath inserted through one lumen of the split endotracheal tube.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Photograph showing the 35-mm aspirated hairpin that was successfully retrieved without fragmentation or clinical sequelae.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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