A Silent Traveler: Endovascular Retrieval of a Migrated Amplatzer Device from the Abdominal Aorta

Embolization of intracardiac occlusion devices is an uncommon but potentially serious complication requiring interventional radiology management. We report a case of delayed migration of an Amplatzer patent foramen ovale occluder into the infrarenal abdominal aorta. An 18-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain one month after percutaneous PFO closure. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed for suspected intra-abdominal bleeding incidentally revealed the embolized device in the infrarenal aorta, with preserved renal artery patency. After multidisciplinary evaluation, endovascular retrieval was planned. Via right common femoral artery access, the device was successfully captured using a snare system and removed through a large-bore introducer sheath without complications. Final angiography confirmed normal aorto-iliac patency. This case highlights the importance of cross-sectional imaging and demonstrates that endovascular snare retrieval is a safe and effective first-line treatment for delayed device embolization.