Two Cases of Very Late Dislodgement and Transcatheter Retrieval of Pediatric Aortic Isthmus Stents During Re-Intervention

By
Florentine Gräfe
Frank-Thomas Riede
Ingo Dähnert
May 25, 2026
0 min

Pediatric Cardiology

Overview

This report details two cases of late stent dislodgement in pediatric patients nearly seven years post-implantation. Both instances highlight the potential for stent migration during catheter manipulation and re-intervention, challenging assumptions about long-term stent stability.

Background

Transcatheter stent implantation is a common treatment for aortic coarctation in children, including newborns. While generally effective, long-term complications such as restenosis and stent migration can occur, raising concerns about the durability of stent fixation. Understanding these complications is crucial for optimizing patient management and follow-up care.

Data Highlights

Case	Patient Age	Stent Type	Dislodgement Trigger
1	7 years	ProKinetic®	Catheter manipulation
2	7.5 years	Formula 414Rx	Sheath advancement

Key Findings

Both cases involved stent dislodgement nearly seven years after initial implantation.
Dislodgement occurred during catheter manipulation and sheath advancement.
Successful retrieval of dislodged stents was achieved without vascular injury.
Long-term stent behavior may vary, indicating incomplete endothelial integration.
Both cases exhibited significant residual gradients necessitating further intervention.

Clinical Implications

These cases underscore the importance of careful monitoring and follow-up imaging for pediatric patients with aortic stents. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for late stent migration and plan interventions accordingly.

Conclusion

Late stent dislodgement in pediatric patients is a rare but significant complication that challenges existing assumptions about stent stability. Ongoing vigilance and tailored management strategies are essential for optimizing outcomes.