Radi Pressurewire Rupture and Embolization to the Right Common Carotid Artery After Crossing a Bjork-shiley Mechanical Aortic Valve

Direct measurement of the left ventricular pressure in patients with mechanical prosthetic aortic valve is an important technical challenge. In the past, transseptal puncture or direct left ventricular accesses were the only available methods. The use of a pressure wire through mechanical aortic prosthesis has been described to be feasible and safe. We report the first case report of pressure guidewire entrapment through a single tilting disk valve (Bjork-Shiley), which resulted in hemodynamic collapse, rupture, and embolization of the pressure wire tip to the right common carotid artery and its successful snaring.