Stent retrieval: Devices and technique

There are several devices that can be used to retrieve lost stents or other detritus such as wire or balloon fragments from the coronary or peripheral vessels. Perhaps the most important technical consideration for stent retrieval is to avoid the pitfalls that result in a situation where retrieval is necessary. Additionally, the use of biliary stents for the treatment of vascular occlusive disease presented a number of unique challenges. If a guide catheter is used, the stent may be withdrawn into it only if the guide catheter has an excellent coaxial relationship to the proximal arterial segment being approached. Stents are the devices that are most frequently lost into the arterial circulation. For peripheral arterial reconstruction, however, it remains quite commonplace to select a balloon and then place the stents by hand. Adequate attachment of a stent onto a balloon involves proper balloon selection, as well as proper attachment.