[Extraction of a ruptured PTCA balloon catheter].

While attempting angioplasty of a very tight and long circumflex lesion with a metal-shafted monorail catheter, the flexible part of the balloon catheter shaft broke off within the guiding catheter. The lost piece of catheter was then retrieved from the coronary artery by using an on-the-wire balloon catheter that was inflated inside the distal end of the guiding catheter.