Retrieval of ruptured balloon during hepatic venous balloon angioplasty using Dormia basket

Anushree Katiyar1, Chandan J Das2, Piyush Aggarwal1

  • 1Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, New Delhi, DL, India.

BMJ Case Reports
|November 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A ruptured angioplasty balloon during endovascular stenting for hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction was successfully retrieved using a Dormia basket. This case highlights an effective technique for managing this rare intraprocedural complication.

Area of Science:

  • Interventional Radiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction can necessitate endovascular intervention.
  • Angioplasty balloons are used to treat vessel stenosis but can rupture.
  • Balloon rupture is a rare but significant intraprocedural complication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a case of angioplasty balloon rupture during stenting for hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction.
  • To present an effective retrieval method for a ruptured angioplasty balloon migrated into small hepatic vein branches.

Main Methods:

  • A middle-aged female with hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction underwent stenting and balloon angioplasty.
  • A 14 mm x 4 cm balloon used for angioplasty experienced a circumferential tear and distal migration.
  • Retrieval was attempted using various methods, with a Dormia basket proving successful.

Main Results:

  • The angioplasty balloon ruptured circumferentially during the procedure.
  • The ruptured balloon segment migrated distally into smaller branches of the hepatic vein.
  • Successful retrieval of the ruptured balloon was achieved using a Dormia basket.

Conclusions:

  • Balloon rupture during angioplasty is a manageable complication.
  • A Dormia basket can be an effective tool for retrieving ruptured angioplasty balloons from hepatic veins.
  • Simple techniques can resolve complex intraprocedural events in endovascular procedures.