Lifesaving embolization of coronary artery perforation
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model
Published on: November 4, 2021
Konstantinos Katsanos1, Sundip Patel, Renato Dourado
1Department of Interventional Radiology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. katsanos@med.upatras.gr
Insights
Coronary artery perforation during cardiac catheterization can be life-threatening. This case highlights successful emergent microcoil embolization for uncontrollable right coronary artery perforation, offering an endovascular alternative to surgery.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary artery perforation is a rare but serious complication of cardiac catheterization.
- Management options range from conservative measures to emergent bypass surgery.
Observation:
- A patient presented with uncontrollable grade III guidewire perforation of the distal right coronary artery.
- This led to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition.
Findings:
- Successful emergent lifesaving microcoil embolization was performed to seal the perforation.
- This endovascular approach arrested bleeding and resolved the cardiac tamponade.
Implications:
- Microcoil embolization presents a viable endovascular alternative for managing severe coronary artery perforations.
- This technique may reduce the need for emergent cardiac bypass surgery in select cases.
Abstract:
Coronary artery perforation remains one of the most fearsome complications during cardiac catheterization procedures. Although emergent bypass surgery is the preferred treatment for cases with uncontrollable perforation, endovascular vessel sealing and arrest of bleeding with a combination of balloons, covered stents, or embolic materials have also been proposed. The authors describe a case of emergent lifesaving microcoil embolization of the distal right coronary artery in a patient with uncontrollable grade III guidewire perforation resulting in cardiac tamponade. The relevant literature is reviewed and the merits and limitations of the endovascular approach are highlighted.
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