Intravascular Lithotripsy as Bail-Out in an Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient With Severe Underexpansion of a Previously Implanted Stent

A 67-year-old male presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Angiography showed severe restenosis within the previously (before 2 years) implanted 2 stents (3 x 24 mm) in the right coronary artery. Severe calcification was evident angiographically and after multiple dilations with noncompliant balloons, the focal underexpansion of the stent remained. A 3-mm x 12-mm intravascular lithotripsy balloon was used and after the third series of 10 pulses, full expansion of the stent was observed. Postdilation of the stenosis with noncompliant and drug-eluting balloons was accompanied by excellent angiographical result with no residual stenosis. The patient was discharged free of symptoms and remains uneventful with no complications. The case demonstrates the feasibility of intravascular lithotripsy in acute coronary syndromes related to stent underexpansion due to severe calcification that is refractory to other conventional techniques.