Wallstent migration into the right ventricle causing severe tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular perforation

Endovascular stents are being used with increasing frequency for various problems of the venous system, but they have been associated with numerous complications. We report the case of an 88-year-old woman who presented with persistent, progressive dyspnea. Imaging revealed a migrated stent lodged in the tricuspid valve and extending into the right ventricle, causing severe tricuspid regurgitation. After a failed attempt at endovascular retrieval, emergent surgical removal was successful. During surgery, the stent was found to be embedded in the tricuspid leaflets, and part of the stent had also perforated the right ventricle. Review of the patient's records revealed that 2 WALLSTENT venous endoprostheses had been placed 6 months earlier to treat stenosis of the left brachiocephalic vein and, further, that the migrated stent had been visible on outpatient chest radiography performed 4 months after the stent placement. This case emphasizes the need to consider the possibility of stent migration in patients who present with unusual symptoms.