An unusual complication of metallic balloon shaft fracture during coronary angioplasty.
We describe two cases of metallic balloon catheter shaft fracture, at a site just proximal to the hemostatic Y-adapter, while attempting to push the stent-balloon assembly through a tortuous left circumflex artery. In both instances, the stent carrying the balloon catheter had a stainless-steel hypotube constituting the proximal stiff portion of the shaft. While no inferences pertaining to this design can be made, our cases call for a closer observation. It would probably be prudent to change the catheter or the dilatation strategy once the shaft started buckling.
Jain
D
D
Medizinische Klinik II, Universitatsklinikjum Lubeck, ratzeburger Allee 160, Germany. drdeepakjain@hotmail.com
Hartmann
F
F
Katus
H A
HA
Richardt
G
G
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013193:Stainless Steel; D015607:Stents
D013193:Stainless Steel