A unique pitfall in percutaneous coronary angioplasty of in-stent restenosis: guidewire passage out of the stent.

Three cases of in-stent restenosis are narrated, wherein, during balloon angioplasty of the lesion, the guidewire inadvertently exited out of the stent. The forward balloon progress was halted in this region. In the first case, the situation could only be realized when dilatation of a forcefully pushed small balloon avulsed the well-embedded stent. The mishap was averted in the subsequent two cases by reintroduction of a new guidewire. Some suggestions to avoid this eventuality are offered. Though the cases pertain to in-stent restenosis, the observations may be applicable to the procedures in general that entail passage of a guidewire through a stented area.