Retrieval strategy for ruptured balloon with circumferential tear during angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients

Endovascular retrieval of an entrapped balloon in a tibial artery

Balloon entrapment is a rare complication of angioplasty in calcified or recalcitrant lesions. A 65-year-old man with chronic limb-threatening ischemia underwent balloon angioplasty of his heavily calcified tibial arteries with a low-profile, tapered, compliant balloon. The balloon became entrapped within the posterior tibial artery and required multiple endovascular maneuvers to deflate and separate the balloon from the calcified arterial wall. This case report describes several adjunctive techniques for retrieval of an entrapped balloon in small, calcified arteries before consideration of surgical removal. These techniques allow for minimally invasive retrieval and continuation of endovascular treatment thereafter.

Balloon rupture with eversion during innominate vein angioplasty requiring surgical retrieval

Balloon rupture during angioplasty can with calcified or recalcitrant lesions. A 61-year-old woman presented with worsening arm and facial swelling. She had a history of left upper extremity thrombolysis and stenting of the innominate vein 6 years prior. Venography showed severe in-stent stenosis. After crossing the lesion, a 12-mm balloon was inflated, which ruptured at nominal pressure. The balloon became stuck and could not be moved over the wire even after retraction of the sheath. A limited surgical cutdown was performed, and the balloon and the wire were removed together. The ruptured balloon part was found to be everted and circumferentially wrapped around the wire, preventing the wire exchange. After cutting the everted portion of the balloon, the catheter was removed without losing wire access. A high-pressure balloon was subsequently used to treat the lesion successfully. Her symptoms had resolved on follow-up, and the stent remained patent after 6 months.

Entrapment of fractured balloon after angioplasty in an AV access using a covered stent

Fracture of the angioplasty balloon is a known complication during endovascular procedures in arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts. We describe a case of a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis with a brachiocephalic AV fistula that had become dysfunctional. After a percutaneous angioplasty procedure during balloon withdrawal, a portion of the balloon fractured and separated due to the balloon being caught in the struts of a previously placed bare metal stent. A covered stent was used to contain the segment of the fractured balloon to the wall of the fistula. The use of a covered stent in jailing the fractured balloon to prevent further complications is not well described. This strategy may be implemented in some circumstances such as this case to avoid surgical interventions.

Management of Acute Complications during Endovascular Procedures in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review

Endovascular therapy, as opposed to surgical bypass, has become the mainstay for peripheral arterial disease even in long segment occlusions. Complications can occur during the arterial access, catheter manipulation, balloon dilation, and/or stent placement. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, renal dysfunction, and coronary artery disease in these patients, early identification of procedural complications and initiation of treatment are of paramount importance. This review aims to provide comprehensive data on the identification and management of commonly encountered endovascular complications during endovascular interventions in peripheral arterial disease.

A Case of Balloon Rupture During Coronary Angioplasty: Slow Flow Requiring Swift Action

We describe the case of a middle-aged man undergoing three-vessel coronary angioplasty due to unstable angina. Attempt to predilate a calcified lesion in the left circumflex artery with a semi-compliant balloon, inflated above the rated burst pressure, resulted in balloon rupture. Subsequently, the patient developed ST elevations and became hemodynamically unstable; slow flow in the index vessel was noted. The complication was managed with vasopressor and respiratory support, plus forceful injections of warm saline. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)-3 flow was eventually restored, and the rest of the procedure was completed uneventfully. Following retrieval of the device, a longitudinal tear in the balloon was observed. This mode of rupture is considered to be safer, when compared to circumferential or pin-hole rupture. Rupture can occur when a balloon is aggressively inflated above nominal pressures and against calcific lesions. The ensuing micro- and macrovascular complications, including slow-flow, no-reflow, vessel dissection or perforation, and intramural hematoma, may induce myocardial ischemia and ultimately cardiogenic shock, malignant arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Management should be swift, and relies on supportive measures, depending on the degree of complications caused by the rupture.

Rupture, Breakdown, and Pulmonary Artery Embolism of a Balloon Catheter Tip during Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistula

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a well-known treatment for arteriovenous fistula stenosis. Balloon rupture during endovascular procedures is a rare but possible complication. The bursting balloon itself does not cause a serious problem, but it can occasionally cause entrapment, especially in case of breakdown of the balloon catheter tip. Here, we present four cases of balloon rupture during angioplasty in the hemodialysis circuit. In three cases, the ruptured balloon catheter was removed by cutdown of access conduit, while in one case, tip of ruptured balloon catheter was migrated into the pulmonary artery and was removed surgically. The operator must attempt to reduce the risk of balloon rupture by gradually expanding the balloons under bursting pressure. If the balloon bursts, it should not be removed excessively and attempt should be made to remove it using endovascular techniques. Surgical removal is considered after careful evaluation of the condition of the balloon and vessel.