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Figure 1 Pigtail fragmentation catheter (with underlying rotated pigtail loop indicating a 180° turn) with a special tip configuration for embolus fragmentation; the guide wire is exiting an oval side hole distal to a radiopaque marker and serves as a directing axis crossing the embolic occlusion. During manual catheter rotation, the pigtail tip is slowly advanced and withdrawn within the occlusion over the fixed guide wire. The embolus is fragmented by mechanical action of the rotating pigtail.