Surgical retrieval of an entrapped stent and a stuck snare device during percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract A 69-year-old male patient with a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) underwent another PCI to the stenosis of the medium LAD as part of therapy for angina pectoris. Interruption of stent delivery because of past stent led to stent entrapment and a stuck guidewire. A snare catheter device was applied to retrieve the stent; however, the device lost mobility. Surgical removal and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were required. We herein report some surgical techniques for resolving this complication of PCI. Learning objective Despite the recent advancements in devices and/or technical skills, the complications of PCI will never be eliminated. This case report provides a suggestive lesson with regard to open heart surgery for PCI complication; furthermore, only a few reports have described details concerning these PCI complications from the viewpoint of a surgeon. Physicians and surgeons should learn the emergent surgical techniques for resolving PCI complications.