Snare extraction of a fractured coronary stent in a saphenous vein graft

Endovascular retrieval of a prematurely deployed covered stent

Several techniques have been reported to address different endovascular device failures. We report the case of a premature deployment of a covered balloon mounted stent during endovascular repair of a post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). A 50-year-old male suffered a fall resulting in loss of consciousness and multiple facial fractures. Five weeks later, he developed decreased left visual acuity, proptosis, chemosis, limited eye movements and cranial/orbit bruit. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a direct left CCF and endovascular repair with a 5.0 mm × 19 mm covered stent was planned. Once in the lacerum segment, increased resistance was encountered and the stent was withdrawn resulting in premature deployment. A 3 mm × 9 mm balloon was advanced over an exchange length microwire and through the stent lumen. Once distal to the stent, the balloon was inflated and slowly pulled back in contact with the stent. All devices were successfully withdrawn as a unit. The use of a balloon to retrieve a prematurely deployed balloon mounted stent is a potential rescue option if leaving the stent in situ carries risks.

Safety of drug-coated stents

BACKGROUND

Drug-coated (i.e., drug-eluting) stents (DES) are frequently used nowadays in the treatment of coronary artery disease given their superior antirestenotic effect and clear benefits in terms of reduction of repeat revascularizations and major adverse cardiac events. However, a number of safety concerns have been raised on DES.

OBJECTIVE

To appraise current data on the safety of DES.

METHODS

A thorough PubMed search was done for pertinent clinical reports on DES safety with the following string (updated December 2007): (drug(*) OR sirolimus OR paclitaxel) AND eluting(*) AND stent(*) AND (safety OR complication(*) OR thrombos(*) OR infarction) NOT (editorial[pt] OR review[pt]).

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

A total of 1077 citations were retrieved and appraised. The most relevant threats to DES safety were bleeding, difficulties in balloon deflation and retrieval, endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm, hypersensitivity, infection, late acquired malapposition and aneurysm formation, late restenosis, peri-procedural myocardial infarction, plaque prolapse, stent dislodgement or embolization, stent fracture, and stent thrombosis (with ensuing risk of death, myocardial infarction or arrhythmia). Of these, the most important and debated safety issue is the potentially increased risk in late stent thrombosis, which might offset the antirestenotic benefits of DES especially in patients at higher risk of thrombosis or who cannot comply with the recommended dual antiplatelet regimen. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are warranted to clarify whether these safety threats should be a concern for the large target population of patients with coronary artery disease most likely to benefit from DES implantation.