Double jeopardy – Snare rupture during transcatheter retrieval of embolised atrial septal occluder device

Abstract

Device closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) has virtually replaced surgical closure except in a few circumstances. Device embolisation is a potential complication of percutaneous device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). Every operator should be familiar of the different transcatheter retrieval techniques and hardwares. Here we report a rare occurrence of rupture of the nitinol frame (shaft) of the snare during retrieval of the embolised ASD device. Broken snare was removed, embolised device was retrieved with another snare and a new properly sized device was deployed in the same sitting.

Keywords

• Snare
• Device
• Retrieval
• Embolisation