Perforation of Coronary Artery Side Branch: A Lesson for Novice Interventionist during Angiography

Abstract

In the modern era of cardiology, coronary angiography is a relatively safe procedure. Complication rate occurs in < 1% of cases. We report a case of coronary artery side branch perforation during coronary angiography using 5 French tiger radial catheter. Contrast injection into a side branch following accidental superselective intubation leads to the perforation at the tip and contrast extravasation. We were able to manage the patient conservatively because there is no hemodynamic compromise or pericardial effusion. Check angiography was done after 7 days and there was no leak. During angiography, pressure tracing should always be monitored and dye injection should be stopped if there is superselective intubation of the branch.