Delayed Complication of a Retained Microcatheter during Neurovascular Intervention Presenting as Limb Ischemia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Retained microcatheter after endovascular embolization of brain vascular malformation lesions poses serious risks. Long-term complications have been sparsely described in the literature.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We report a rare complication of limb ischemia following the complete migration of a retained microcatheter. The literature review was performed using the mesh terms "complications," "endovascular interventions," "retained catheter," and "Onyx" on PubMed.

RESULT: The patient had undergone embolization of dural AV fistula (DAVF) at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) 5 years before presentation using ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx). He presented with acute right lower limb ischemia. Emergency endovascular removal of the catheter and thrombus aspiration were done.

CONCLUSION

Migrated catheters confined within vascular lumen can be effectively treated by an endovascular approach. Patient education about complications may help in seeking medical care for timely intervention.