Coronary embolization of the membrane fixing a "Multilink" stent to its delivery balloon

We report on a case of coronary embolization of an elastic membrane fixing the ACS RX Multilink stent over its balloon, after a successful stent delivery. The membrane was dislodged from the balloon in the ostium of the right coronary artery as the delivery balloon was being pulled back into the guiding catheter. All attempts to retrieve the membrane, to cover it with another stent, or to push it into a terminal segment of the artery to limit the jeopardized myocardial mass were unsuccessful. No CABG was performed because the left coronary system was normal and the procedure occurred 2 months after an incomplete inferior myocardial infarction. There was no increase in cardiac enzymes nor electrocardiographic signs of a new myocardial infarction at discharge or at 1-mo follow-up. It seems preferable to avoid further use of stents tied to their balloons with an intermediary, and possibly detachable, element.