The removal of shrapnel from deep tissue with a magnet: A novel approach

Abstract

Penetrating injuries due to the presence of suspected foreignbodies are a common problem for the emergency department (ED).Foreign bodies should be extracted from wounds as soon as possibleduring the primary wound management stage. Foreign body injuriesmay be located in superficial and deep tissue. In addition to determiningthe correct location, correct diagnosis may be quite difficult. Superficialforeign bodies are easily removed, but the management of thosein deep tissue can be extremely difficult and therefore requiressurgical removal.The case is here presented of the novel approach of shrapnel re-moved from deep tissue with a magnet in the ED. The correct localiza-tion of the foreign bodies was determined, and the patient wassuccessfully treated with removal by magnet.