Percutaneous catheter balloons: failure to deflate

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Transluminal catheter balloons are crucial tools in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.
• Accidental permanent inflation of these balloons is a rare but significant complication.

Observation:

• Three distinct cases of permanently inflated transluminal balloons were encountered.
• Two cases occurred during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures.
• One case involved embolization with proximal balloon occlusion.

Findings:

• All three cases were successfully managed using nonsurgical interventions.
• Percutaneous puncture with a needle or coaxial catheter under fluoroscopic guidance was effective.
• This technique is particularly useful in large vessels.

Implications:

• Provides effective, minimally invasive solutions for permanently inflated balloon complications.
• Highlights the utility of fluoroscopic guidance in managing interventional radiology emergencies.
• Offers a valuable approach for interventionalists facing similar challenging scenarios.