Complications associated with the guide wire in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

This report describes three cases of unraveling of the platinum coil of the guide wire during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. In one case the wire ruptured and required surgical removal. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known, but wire entrapment may be a factor. This is more likely to occur with tortuous vessels. Precautions to avoid uncoiling and rupture of guide wires during coronary angioplasty are discussed.