Percutaneous retrieval of foreign bodies: experience with the nitinol Goose Neck snare

Abstract

Purpose: The authors present their experience with the nitinol Goose Neck snare system in the retrieval of retained foreign bodies in 20 patients.

Patients and methods: Foreign bodies were located in the vascular system in 13 patients, urinary tract in four, biliary system in one, gastrointestinal tract in one, and the peritoneal space in one. All retrievals were performed with use of standard angiographic/interventional techniques.

Results: Success was achieved in all cases without attendant complications. Foreign bodies removed included catheter and guide-wire fragments, an embolization coil, broken or occluded double pigtail catheters, a Wallstent, and a surgical laparotomy sponge.

Conclusion: All procedures were performed quickly, safely, and without difficulty. Because of its excellent torque control, positive grasping capacity, excellent radiopacity, lack of traumatic effect, and availability in different sizes appropriate for use in a wide variety of difficult anatomic spaces, the authors recommend that this device be considered the first choice for all foreign body retrieval procedures.