Successful Retrieval of Uncoiled Coronary Guidewire Using Simple Balloon Method

Breakage of angioplasty device in coronary artery can cause panic in the catheterization laboratory. These broken fragments may serve as a nidus for thrombus formation; hence, removal of these fragments becomes mandatory. Since the incidence of guidewire fracture during angioplasty are rarely reported, evidence-based approaches are not available for the management of such incidental conditions. Here, we report an interesting case of entrapment and unravelling of guidewire. We successfully retrieved unravelled guidewire using a noncompliant balloon inflated in the guiding catheter. Subsequently, the procedure was completed successfully with an implantation of a stent in the culprit lesion. We are of opinion that this novel technique is quite easy and less cumbersome than other described techniques reported earlier.