Retrieval Of A Fractured And Retained Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Catheter On Beating Perfused Heart

Abstract

A fractured and retained percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty catheter was successfully removed on a perfused beating heart with concomitant bypass grafting. We believe this is the first report in English literature of such an operation on a beating heart.Broken and retained percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon catheter is a rare but serious complication of interventional cardiology. The presence of a calcified proximal lesion hinders withdrawal of the broken catheter. It requires retrieval and emergency coronary bypass grafting to prevent further complications.