Catheter fragmentation: a potential source of catheter embolus

Aortic root angiography in the patient described in the present report was complicated by precipitious catheter occlusion. Analysis of the occluding fragment by infrared spectroscopy indicated that it was a urethane structure, suggesting that the occluding fragment resulted from spontaneous fragmentation of the polyurethane catheter. Experience with this patient thus documents the potential for nonblood catheter embolus.