Complications of stent loss during treatment of a heavily calcified and tortuous chronic total occlusion

Abstract Stent loss can occur during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and can lead to complications such as coronary occlusion, perforation or dissection. Stent retrieval is often attempted but may lead to additional complications. We describe a case of stent loss during chronic total occlusion PCI. The small balloon technique failed to retrieve the stent. The stent was snared but could still not be removed. Retrieval attempts were complicated by large vessel perforation. A covered stent was deployed covering the lost stent and successfully sealing the perforation.