Rupture of guide wire during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, a case report

Area of Science:

• Interventional Cardiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Guide wire rupture is an infrequent yet significant complication in interventional procedures.
• Management strategies for retained guide wire fragments depend on patient condition and fragment location.
• Potential consequences include arterial occlusion and systemic embolism.

Observation:

• A case of guide wire rupture during a cardiovascular procedure is presented.
• The decision was made to manage the retained guide wire fragment conservatively by leaving it in situ.
• The patient had a co-existing coronary stenotic lesion.

Findings:

• The retained guide wire fragment was successfully managed without immediate intervention.
• The coronary stenotic lesion was subsequently treated with stent placement.
• The combined approach resolved the complication and addressed the underlying pathology.

Implications:

• Conservative management of retained guide wire fragments is a viable option in select cases.
• Successful stenting in the presence of a retained fragment demonstrates procedural adaptability.
• This case highlights the importance of tailored management strategies for uncommon procedural complications.