Removal of a circumferentially torn stuck balloon from a calcified right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

Abstract

We report a case of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit angioplasty in which a valvuloplasty balloon ruptured circumferentially and was retained within the conduit. A high-pressure balloon was used to relieve the obstruction and free the ruptured balloon. The procedure was further complicated when the distal part of the balloon broke away from the proximal part during an attempt to retrieve it back into the femoral sheath. This report highlights the inappropriate use of a soft balloon in a calcified xenograft conduit, which led to a series of complications, and discusses potential strategies for managing these complications.