Avulsed Olbert balloon--an avoidable complication of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Complete detachment of an intact Olbert angioplasty balloon on catheter withdrawal through scar tissue in the groin is reported. Surgical retrieval of the avulsed balloon was subsequently necessary. In the presence of scarring, balloon catheters should be introduced and withdrawn through an appropriately sized sheath in order to avoid this complication.