title: Fragmentation and embolization of a plastic-coated guidewire.
abstract: We report a case of fragmentation and embolization to the pulmonary artery of sheared pieces of a recently introduced hydrophilic plastic-coated guidewire. The propensity for this to occur, the lack of initial recognition, and the ability to retrieve the fragments by catheter techniques are emphasized. As these guidewires are more frequently used, physicians should be aware of this potential complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Prewitt
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Resar
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brinker
mesh_terms: D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010969:Plastics; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics