A Novel Approach to Overcome Stent Strut Entrapment of the Distal Filter Retrieval Catheter during Vertebral Artery Stenting: The "Olive-Tipped" Technique.

We developed an "olive-tipped" technique for preventing the distal filter retrieval catheter from entrapment in the stent struts during retrieval procedures after stent deployment and which we used in 2 vertebral artery stenting cases. A new wire entry port was made in the catheter at the transition of larger and smaller lumen to permit passage of a low-profile balloon into the lumen of the retrieval catheter. When the balloon was inflated across the retrieval catheter tip, a smoother profile was created which eliminated the sharp step between the catheter tip and the filter wire. The retrieval catheter could then be advanced easily through the stent struts using this modified system.