Successful Retrieval of a Broken Intravascular Ultrasound Catheter Tip From a Coronary Artery

Abstract

The fracture of IVUS catheter tip in the coronary artery is a very rare complication. It should be removed as soon as possible. Although it seems to be easy at first glance, percutaneous retrieval of broken IVUS catheter tip has some challenges. We hereby present a case report of successful percutaneous retrieval of broken IVUS catheter, probably caused by calcific left main stenosis, from the left circumflex artery using loop snare technique. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.