Bangalore, July 2, 2025: In a rare and delicate procedure, doctors at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, successfully removed a sharp metallic cloth pin that had been accidentally inhaled and lodged deep in the lung of a 55-year-old woman for over a month. The foreign body was safely retrieved through a minimally invasive bronchoscopic technique using a Fogarty balloon catheter, demonstrating the hospital’s excellence in interventional pulmonology.
The patient had inadvertently aspirated to the sharp metal piece while shopping after briefly placing it in her mouth while inspecting clothes. A sudden sneeze caused the pin to slip into her airway, eventually embedding itself in the bronchus intermedius, a vital passage in the right lung. Despite consulting several healthcare facilities over weeks, the source of her persistent dry cough and wheezing remained undiagnosed.
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Upon her visit to Aster CMI Hospital, detailed imaging through CT scan and chest X-ray revealed the presence of a foreign object firmly attached to the bronchial wall. The complexity of the case required a highly precise and cautious approach.
Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital: said the pin’s sharp end had punctured into the airway wall. Standard retrieval methods failed due to the risk of further injury. Using a Fogarty balloon, we were able to gently dislodge the object and subsequently retrieve it using rat tooth forceps during bronchoscopy under sedation.
The patient responded well to the intervention and was discharged in stable condition, with full respiratory recovery. This incident underscores the need for awareness regarding accidental aspiration and the importance of accurate diagnosis in respiratory cases.
SGS Lakshmanan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster CMI Hospital, commented, “This case highlights the critical value of medical expertise, advanced technology, and prompt decision-making. At Aster CMI, we are proud to offer specialized care for rare and high-risk procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every patient who walks through our doors.
About ASTER DM HEALTHCARE
Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest private healthcare service providers operating in GCC and in India. With an inherent emphasis on clinical excellence, we are one of the few entities in the world with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through our 30 hospitals, 121 clinics, 459* pharmacies, 19 labs and 140 patient experience centers in seven countries, including India. We have over 28,400 plus dedicated staff including 3,622 doctors and 8,095 nurses across the geographies that we are present in, delivering a simple yet strong promise to our different stakeholders: “We’ll treat you well.” We reach out to all economic segments in the GCC states through our differentiated healthcare services across the “Aster”, “Med care” and “Access” brands. * Including 214 Pharmacies in India operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster.
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