Longitudinal Stent Deformation: Insights Provided by Optical Coherence Tomography

Longitudinal stent deformation is defined as shortening or elongation of the stent along its longitudinal axis after deployment. It is under-recognized on angiography, and imaging- based studies have reported an incidence of up to 1%. The etiology includes damage by the guiding catheter or secondary devices such as postdilation balloons, imaging catheters, additional stents, or wire entanglement. Deformation can occur with all stent platforms. In the present case, forceful removal of the trapped guidewire led to the guide being sucked into the LAD and deforming the stent.