Successful removal of an intra-pericardic Kirschner wire via fluoroscopy-guided minimal invasive approach: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Kirschner wires are widely used in trauma surgery. Their migration into the pericardium is a rare but often fatal phenomenon, requiring urgent management. Case presentation We describe the case of a 65-year-old patient who underwent Kirschner wire placement to treat a humeral head fracture. Three months after the operation, pleural and pericardial effusions with cardiac tamponade were observed, leading to the diagnosis of wire migration within the pericardium. A minimally invasive approach guided by fluoroscopy allowed emergency wire extraction without needing a median sternotomy. The postoperative clinical course was uncomplicated. Conclusions The use of pre- and per-operative multimodal imaging allowed for the safe extraction of an intra-pericardial Kirschner wire through a minimally invasive approach.

Keywords

• Kirchner wire
• Pericardium
• Thoracic surgery
• Minimally invasive