Entrapment of hydrophilic coated coronary guidewire tips: Which form of management is best?

Abstract

Fracture, detachment and entrapment of coronary guidewires is seen infrequently. Different treatment strategies have been performed for such cases in medical literature. Here, we present three different cases of hydrophilic coated coronary guidewire non-metallic tip entrapment. Conservative management was preferred as the main strategy, with a practical approach to fix the guidewire remnant to the coronary bed during intervention. All three patients were asymptomatic following the interventions. Besides case presentation and our treatment, we also briefly review the history and management strategies reported and discussed in the medical literature.
(Cardiol J 2010; 17, 1: 104-108)