Extraction of intramyocardial foreign body utilizing operative ultrasonography

Abstract

Technical advances in cardiac surgery have made accessible previously remote regions within the heart and great vessels; nevertheless, limitations in the ability to locate intramyocardial foreign bodies with precision utilizing conventional radiographic techniques, together with the frequent inability to palpate a foreign body located within the walls of the heart chambers, has dampened early enthusiasm for their removal. Despite this, the recognized complications associated with nonoperative management continue to militate for an aggressive approach. The following case illustrates the use of operative high-frequency ultrasonography in the exact localization of an intramyocardial foreign body. The precision thus afforded minimizes operative time, confines the size of the necessary ventriculotomy, and greatly facilitates successful removal.