Towing Away 18 mm Stent from the Right Atrium Using an Assembly of a Balloon and a Snare

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) stenting is a common procedure utilized in managing SVC syndrome, whether it is due to a malignancy or secondary to benign causes such as indwelling catheters. The potential for unanticipated stent dislodgment exists, as illustrated in the presented case where the stent dislodged into the right atrium, posing a threat of cardiac tamponade. In such critical scenarios, the ideal approach involves endovascular retrieval, effectively minimizing patient morbidity. In this report, our objective was to outline a practical approach to retrieving an 18 mm diameter dislodged stent using a combination of a snare and balloon.