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Coronary embolization of a gauze fragment: A cautionary case report
Author(s) -
Fischi Michael,
Narins Craig R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.20541
Subject(s) - medicine , fragment (logic) , embolization , coronary angiography , cardiology , radiology , myocardial infarction , computer science , programming language
A 44‐year‐old woman underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment of a stenosis of the left circumflex coronary artery. The FFR was within normal limits, however, shortly after leaving the catheterization laboratory the patient developed refractory angina. Repeat angiography demonstrated a new filling defect in the mid left anterior descending coronary artery. Aspiration thrombectomy was performed, and analysis of the effluent revealed a strand of gauze material with adherent thrombus. The gauze fiber was likely unknowingly injected with flush solution during FFR measurement. This previously unreported but potentially dangerous phenomenon underscores the importance of not using a single receptacle to hold moist gauze and saline flush solution, as is the practice in some catheterization laboratories. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.