Figure legend
Figure 1. TTE performed from a 2D subcostal view demonstrating the
absence of the PFO occluder device in the interatrial septum (Panel A)
and the presence of a spontaneous left-to-right shunt due to PFO in CFM
(Panel B). 2D, two dimensional; CFM, colour-flow mode; LA, left atrium;
LV, left ventricle; PFO, patent foramen ovale; RA, right atrium; RV,
right ventricle; TTE, transthoracic echocardiogram.
Figure 2. TEE subsequently performed confirming the absence of the
occluder device in the interatrial septum and showing a very long PFO
tunnel (at least 24 mm). Ao, aorta; LA, left atrium; PFO, patent foramen
ovale; RA, right atrium; PFO, patent foramen ovale; TEE,
transoesophageal echocardiogram.
Figure 3. Thoracoabdominal CT scan from an axial (Panel A), sagittal
(Panel B) and coronal plane (Panel C) showing the occluder device into
the abdominal aorta at L1 vertebral level near the origin of the coeliac
trunk. Ao, aorta; CT, computed tomography; L1, first lumbar vertebra.
Figure 4. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrating the device with its two
hemidiscs into the aortic lumen (Panel A), blocked at the origin of the
coeliac trunk as seen in CFM (Panel B). Ao, aorta; CFM, colour-flow
mode.
Figure 5. Fluoroscopic image showing the percutaneous retrieval of the
device with a 35 mm Goose Neck snare. The procedure was partially
successful and a resolutive surgical procedure was needed.