Loss and retrieval of a coronary angioplasty stent balloon.

A case is presented in which a breakage of the coronary stent delivery catheter occurred as retrieval of the stent balloon was attempted after stent implantation. The broken distal balloon shaft with its stuck balloon was retrieved by controlled pulling on the guiding catheter in which a new balloon was inflated, thus trapping the distal shaft. The case underscores the importance of adequate lesion assessment and preparation.