Successful transradial retrieval of broken catheter fragment during transradial coronary angiography

J Invasive Cardiol. 2012 Feb;24(2):74-5.

Abstract

Intravascular fracture of angiographic catheters is very uncommon, but it happens. Removal of an intravascular foreign body may require surgical intervention or non-surgical retrieval necessitating additional vascular access (mostly via femoral artery). We describe a case in which the diagnostic catheter was broken. We were able to pass two guidewires (0.035-inch guidewire and 0.014-inch standard percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty guidewire) through the fragment. The 0.014-inch guidewire twirled, winding around the 0.035-inch wire, and the catheter fragment was retrieved successfully through the radial sheath.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / instrumentation*
  • Axillary Artery*
  • Catheters*
  • Coronary Angiography*
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male