title: Catheter fragmentation: a potential source of catheter embolus.
abstract: Aortic root angiography in the patient described in the present report was complicated by precipitious catheter occlusion. Analysis of the occluding fragment by infrared spectroscopy indicated that it was a urethane structure, suggesting that the occluding fragment resulted from spontaneous fragmentation of the polyurethane catheter. Experience with this patient thus documents the potential for nonblood catheter embolus.
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged