Successful transluminal coronary angioplasty facilitated only by guidewiresupport

We describe a case where extreme tortuosity in the patient's iliac arterial system precluded the manipulation and therefore engagement of 8 Fr guiding catheters with our target vessel. After diagnostic coronary angiography wa s performed with 6 Fr catheters, successful balloon angioplasty was negotia ted over a stiff guidewire without guiding catheter support. Balloon dilata tion of the ostial stenosis enabled subsequent engagement with 8 Fr guiding catheter and successful stent delivery. Cathet, Cardiovasc. Intervent 46:4 67-469, 1999, (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.