Handheld Magnetometer-Assisted Localization and Removal of a Foreign Body From the Chest Wall

Foreign bodies fully embedded in soft tissues present a unique challenge to surgeons attempting excision. Small fragments can be nonpalpable, and many prove difficult to visualize intra-operatively by means of classic radiologic techniques. A 35-year-old active duty soldier presented requesting exci...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Military medicine 2024-01, Vol.189 (1-2), p.e420-e423
Main Authors: Kaplan, Adam J, Sheldon, Rowan R
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Foreign bodies fully embedded in soft tissues present a unique challenge to surgeons attempting excision. Small fragments can be nonpalpable, and many prove difficult to visualize intra-operatively by means of classic radiologic techniques. A 35-year-old active duty soldier presented requesting excision of ballistic fragment embedded in his chest wall that had previously failed a previous attempt at removal. The metallic foreign body was successfully localized intra-operatively using a handheld magnetometer probe and removed without complication. This case demonstrates the utility and cost-effectiveness of the handheld magnetometry for intra-operative localization of metallic foreign bodies. Metallic foreign bodies may be localized intra-operatively using inexpensive and reusable equipment that does not require radiation or bulky radiographic imaging equipment.
ISSN:0026-4075
1930-613X
DOI:10.1093/milmed/usad255