Complete fracture of an Ikari guiding catheter in the axillary artery during transradial coronary intervention

Abstract

Complete fracture of a guiding catheter during percutaneous coronary intervention is an exceedingly rare but potentially serious complication. The present case report describes the complete fracture of an Ikari guiding catheter and the various manoeuvres used to retrieve the broken catheter fragment. The anatomy and limited space in the radial and axillary arteries made it possible for the catheter to twist on itself during a difficult cannulation, resulting in its complete fracture and separation. The present case highlights the need for caution in the manipulation of an Ikari guiding catheter by the transradial approach.