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

BACKGROUND

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

CASE SUMMARY: 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.

DISCUSSION: 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.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: PCI operators should be familiar with device handling and bailout strategies to effectively address rare but critical complications.