Catheter separation during coronary angiography

Abstract

Complete fracture and separation of a right coronary Judkins catheter during coronary angiography is presented. The possible mechanism underlying the separation and retrieval of the catheter fragment is described.

Successful retrieval of fractured catheter tip during coronary angiogram

“…Although there are many reports of fractured angioplasty guidewires, fracture of coronary catheters is not common 1. The factors contributing to the fracture of catheters include torquing, forceful withdrawal of catheter which is entrapped in arterial spasm, reuse, manufacturing flaws, inadvertent passage of large catheter through smaller sized access site sheaths and polymer ageing or a combination of factors.…”

Revascularization after removal of broken catheter from left circumflex coronary artery

“…It was possible for two reasons, ments is 0.1-0.8% [6]. Though there are several reports of fractured angioplasty guidewires, fracture of coronary catheters is extremely uncommon and only few case reports exists [7][8][9]. The factors contributing to fracture of catheters include excessive torquing, forceful withdrawal of catheter which is entrapped in arterial spasm, inappropriate handling of catheters, reuse, manufacturing flaws, inadvertent passage of large catheter through smaller sized access site sheaths, polymer aging or a combination of factors could lead to fracture of diagnostic angiography catheter tip [10].…”