Removal of an intrathoracic migrated fixation pin by thoracoscopy

Migration of orthopedic fixation pins into the thoracic cavity can result in perforation of pulmonary vasculature, aorta, bronchus, atrium, or ventricle. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is tantamount in preventing devastating consequences. A patient who had fixation of a right humeral fracture weeks later had intrathoracic migration of a fixation pin, found by routine postoperative radiographic examination. Because the patient was asymptomatic, we removed the pin with a thoracoscopic operation. The foreign body was retrieved successfully without intraoperative or postoperative complication. (Ann Thorac Surg 2001;71:368-70) (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.