Retrieval devices

Since the presentation of the Amplatz gooseneck snare loop, removal techniques have become much easier, with increased efficacy of retrieval, particularly because access is necessary from only one side 11. KN G. Coronary stent retrieval: Devices and techniques. In: Ellis SG HDRJ, editor; Strategic approaches in coronary intervention. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins 2000. p 441-51. Link.

Although the incidence of stent (or other device) loss during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) appears to have decreased in recent years, foreign objects should be removed as soon as possible, because of the risk of systemic or coronary embolisation, emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), or even death 22. Brilakis ES, Best PJ, Elesber AA, Barsness GW, Lennon RJ, Holmes DR, Jr, et al. Incidence, retrieval methods, and outcomes of stent loss during percutaneous coronary intervention: a large single-center experience. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2005;66(3):333-40. Link. A 71 % rate of major complications after the embolism of foreign objects has been reported and is associated with a high mortality rate, between 24 % and 60 % 33. Wolf F, Schernthaner RE, Dirisamer A, Schoder M, Funovics M, Kettenbach J, et al. Endovascular management of...