Noninvasive Evaluation of a Cutting Balloon Entrapped in a Left Main Coronary Artery Using Transesophageal Echocardiography

Abstract

There are reports in the literature describing the utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the evaluation of the coronary arteries. Studies have also shown the value of TEE in patients undergoing coronary intervention such as assessing coronary anatomy and flow following angioplasty. We report an interesting case where TEE helped to establish the location of a fractured cutting balloon device lodged in the left main coronary artery and obviated the need for cardiac surgery to remove the fractured balloon catheter. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of this type of complication utilizing a cutting balloon device.

Retained entrapped coronary stent appearing like an aortic flap

“…3 There are rare case reports in which TEE is used as a diagnostic technique for visualizing entrapped angioplasty devices and helped in decision-making for managing this complication. 4 The presented case highlights the valuable informative role of…”

“…Predisposing factors include vessel tortuosity, severe vessel calcification, and a long stent . There are rare case reports in which TEE is used as a diagnostic technique for visualizing entrapped angioplasty devices and helped in decision‐making for managing this complication . The presented case highlights the valuable informative role of TEE in visualizing entrapped coronary stents which may appear like a dissection flap if we are not aware of the complicated interventional procedure previously performed for the patient.…”