title: Snare retrieval of the distal tip of a fractured rotational atherectomy guidewire: roping the steer by its horns.
abstract: Numerous methods have been described for retrieving fractured guidewires from the coronary circulation. We report a case of a fractured rotational atherectomy guidewire retained within a coronary artery. The standard technique of snaring the proximal end of the retained fragment was impossible because its radiolucency rendered it invisible. The snare was passed beyond the retained fragment and retracted to capture the distal tip. When snaring a foreign body, identifying the most accessible part is critical to the success of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Kirk
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gavlick
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Blankenship
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017225:Atherectomy, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male