Transradial retrieval of a dislodged stent from the left main coronary artery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Coronary artery stent dislodgement is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention.
• Left main stem involvement poses significant risks due to the critical nature of this vessel.
• Transradial access is increasingly favored for its safety and efficacy in complex coronary interventions.

Observation:

• An elderly male patient presented with a dislodged and distorted coronary artery stent in the left main stem following intervention for a left circumflex artery lesion.
• The dislodged stent obstructed the left main coronary artery, necessitating urgent intervention.
• The patient underwent transradial percutaneous coronary intervention for stent retrieval.

Findings:

• Successful retrieval of the dislodged and mechanically distorted coronary artery stent from the left main stem was achieved using a transradial approach.
• A microsnare device was effectively utilized to capture and remove the malpositioned stent.
• The procedure restored patency and resolved the critical obstruction without immediate complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the feasibility and safety of transradial stent retrieval for complex coronary artery complications.
• Microsnare technology offers a valuable option for managing dislodged coronary stents, particularly in challenging anatomical locations.
• Successful transradial interventions in elderly patients underscore the expanding role of minimally invasive techniques in managing complex cardiovascular disease.