Retrieval of bronchial foreign body with central lumen using a flexible bronchoscope.

A 5 year-old boy aspirated a metal spring accidentally. The right bronchial foreign body was removed by threading the alligator of a biopsy forceps through the lumen of the spring while opening its jaws distally. This case illustrates that a foreign body with a central lumen in a child can be successfully removed using a flexible bronchoscope, thus obviating the need for general anesthesia and rigid bronchoscopy.