When Size Matters: Lessons Learned from Left Main Stent Embolization and Retrieval

Abstract

While the advantages of drug-eluting stents (DES) have been demonstrated in moderate and small-sized vessels, the benefits of DES use in selected larger vessels are increasingly recognized. In the following case presentation, the use of a DES outside the approved vessel diameter to treat left main coronary artery disease led to retrograde migration of the stent over the guiding catheter. Solutions to capturing and retrieving a stent in this position are discussed and our approach to resolving the situation is presented.