Management of Unexpected Balloon Rupture during Deployment of Balloon-Expandable Stents

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a method for dealing with balloon rupture during stent deployment. Technique: A 10-mL Luer-Lock syringe containing contrast material and heparinized saline is used to re-expand a balloon ruptured during stent deployment, permitting maximum balloon expansion and successful initial stent-wall apposition. No adjunctive use of probing catheters or a power injector is necessary to achieve adequate stent expansion. Analysis of the rupture may identify procedural deficiencies that can be rectified. Conclusions: This technique is simple and timesaving, and interventionists should maintain vigilance when handling of balloon-expandable stents.