Successful Percutaneous Retrieval of a Trapping Balloon Protective Tube Embolized in the Coronary Artery

Retained medical devices in the coronary artery during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are rare but life-threatening, necessitating precise retrieval techniques.

An 85-year-old woman presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to embolization of a protective tube from a trapping balloon into her coronary artery during a PCI performed 4 months ago. Imaging revealed a protective tube covered with intimal hyperplasia, which caused significant stenosis of the left circumflex artery. Using intravascular ultrasound guidance and a Conquest Pro 12 Sharpened Tip wire, the tube was successfully retrieved, followed by culotte stenting to restore coronary flow.

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of percutaneous retrieval of a protective tube embolized into the coronary artery. This approach highlights the importance of intravascular ultrasound, plaque modification, and other advanced techniques for managing device entrapment.

PCI operators should be familiar with device handling and bailout strategies to effectively address rare but critical complications.