Access Site Complication—Successful Retrieval of Retained Radial Sheath

Endo-vascular interventions are relatively safer compared to open vascular procedures. They require specialized radio-opaque hardwares, accidental retention, or dislodgement of which may lead to serious complications. Hence, we need to be very cautious during the procedure, and whenever there is a loss, retention, or migration of hardware is suspected, it should be retrieved immediately to prevent further local or systemic complications. A 57-year-old male patient underwent left ICA stenting. During hardware removal, right radial arterial sheath got fractured and distal segment retained inside the radial artery. Emergency exploration and retrieval of retained sheath was done successfully by conventional open surgical technique. There is an increasing trend of using radial artery for arterial access, being safer, cost-effective, and favorable anatomical relations due to its superficial course, allowing easy compression and hemostasis. Nevertheless, radial artery access-site complications do occur; we have successfully managed a case of retained radial artery foreign body with successful outcome. All endovascular procedures must be performed carefully, and in case of accidental retention of hardware, immediate exploration and removal of FB are needed to prevent limb or life-threatening complications.