Successful Retrieval of a Fractured Balloon Shaft During EVT Using the Inner PIERCE Technique: Balloon Shaft Fracture...

Balloon shaft fracture during endovascular therapy is a rare but serious complication, especially in calcified, tortuous vessels.

A woman in her 70s with chronic limb-threatening ischemia presented with recurrent foot ischemia. Balloon angioplasty of the distal anterior tibial artery using the BADFORM (BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner) technique resulted in balloon shaft fracture. Conventional retrieval failed owing to vessel tortuosity. Using retrograde access and the inner PIERCE (Percutaneous dIrect nEedle punctuRe of Calcified plaquE) technique-a direct intraluminal puncture and debulking method-the fractured shaft was released and retrieved through an antegrade guide catheter.

This case demonstrates a minimally invasive salvage strategy using the inner PIERCE technique as an alternative to snaring or microcatheter methods. Atherectomy was not performed because of perforation risk and device limitations.

The inner PIERCE technique is an effective percutaneous bailout for balloon shaft entrapment in calcified anatomy. Prompt recognition and troubleshooting may avoid the need for surgery and preserve the limb.