Migrated coronary stent into the left internal carotid artery: a rescue technique

Anna Luisa Kühn1, Jasmeet Singh1, Ajit S Puri2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Division of Neurointerventional Radiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|November 8, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Coronary stent dislodgement is rare but dangerous. This case report details the successful retrieval of a dislodged coronary artery stent from the carotid artery, highlighting crucial interventional planning.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Coronary stent dislodgement and migration are infrequent but serious complications during percutaneous coronary intervention.
  • These events can lead to severe neurological or cardiovascular sequelae, necessitating specialized management.

Observation:

  • A case is presented where a coronary artery stent dislodged from its delivery balloon during percutaneous coronary intervention.
  • The dislodged stent subsequently embolized into the left internal carotid artery, posing a significant neurovascular risk.

Findings:

  • The interventional team successfully retrieved the dislodged coronary stent from the left internal carotid artery.
  • Meticulous planning, appropriate tool selection, and preparedness for adverse events were critical for a successful outcome.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of neurointerventional expertise in managing rare stent migration events.
  • Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach, careful procedural planning, and readiness to address potential complications during complex interventions.