A case report of fractured guidewire removal by rotational atherectomy

Abstract

Abstract Background Fractures occur in association with manipulation and because of the complexity of the coronary artery, and they can cause a series of serious complications, such as myocardial infarction and secondary thrombosis. Common treatments for fractured guidewires include conservative, interventional and surgical methods. Case presentations A 67-year-old male was admitted to our institute. He had recurrent chest tightness and chest pain for half a month, which worsened in one day. He was diagnosed with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Guidewire fracture was caused by improper manipulation during percutaneous coronary intervention. We successfully performed rotational atherectomy to remove the fractured guidewire. His symptoms, and condition improved 6 weeks after the removal of fractured guidewire. Conclusion Physicians should have higher requirements for the quality of the guidewires and operation techniques.

Keywords

• Rotational atherectomy
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Fractured guidewire
• Drug-eluting stent