Successful coronary stent retrieval from the ascending aorta using a gooseneck snare kit

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for treating coronary artery disease.
• Coronary stent dislodgement, though infrequent, represents a significant procedural complication.
• Prompt and effective management is crucial to mitigate risks associated with dislodged stents.

Observation:

• A case of coronary stent dislodgement occurred during PCI in the left circumflex artery (LCX).
• The stent became mechanically distorted during delivery to the proximal LCX lesion.
• Following balloon catheter withdrawal, the guide wire and distorted stent remained in the ascending thoracic aorta.

Findings:

• The distorted stent could not be retrieved into the guide catheter.
• A goose neck snare was successfully employed to capture the dislodged stent.
• The stent was ultimately retrieved externally through the arterial sheath.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of specialized retrieval devices like the goose neck snare for managing complex stent dislodgements.
• Successful external retrieval minimizes the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
• Awareness of this complication and its management strategies is important for interventional cardiologists.