0.034” GUIDEWIRE ENTRAPMENT DURING RADIAL APPROACH FOR CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY. A RARE COMPLICATION

Abstract

The radial artery approach for cardiac catheterization has now become the preferred route for arterial access. The main reason behind this is reduced access site complications as compared to femoral artery punctures. Radial artery access also allows the advantage of early mobilization of the patient and improved patient comfort. Lesser complications in turn result in shorter hospital stay and discharge on the same day is also possible. This in turn significantly decreases the overall cost and bed occupancy as well. However, as with every procedure complications do occur and it is how we deal with them defines our success. This is a case report in which a 0.034” radial guidewire used routinely for angiography was entrapped and how it was then tackled and recovered.