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Embolization of a rubber disc from a hemostasis valve: technical note.
J Schroeder1, C Papachrysanthou, W Huhmann
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kreiskrankenhaus, Rendsburg, Germany.
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
A rare complication after coronary angioplasty caused sudden leg pain due to a rubber disc obstructing the popliteal artery. Surgical removal of the disc and thrombus resolved the obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Coronary angioplasty is a common procedure to open blocked arteries.
- Complications, though rare, can occur at the vascular access site.
- Distal popliteal artery stenosis can lead to severe limb ischemia.
Observation:
- A patient developed sudden onset claudication post-coronary angioplasty.
- Symptoms localized to the vascular access side.
- Angiography revealed high-grade stenosis at the distal popliteal artery bifurcation.
Findings:
- Standard treatments including thrombolysis and angioplasty failed to resolve the stenosis.
- Surgical exploration identified a rubber disc with thrombus as the cause.
- The foreign body caused isolated, severe arterial obstruction.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual foreign body complications after procedures.
- Underscores the need for thorough investigation when standard treatments fail.
- Emphasizes the role of surgical exploration in diagnosing rare vascular obstructions.