First In-Human Use of a Novel Perfusion Balloon Catheter in the Management of Coronary Perforation

Coronary perforation is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. It can occur due to guide wire exit, high-pressure balloon/stent inflation, balloon/stent oversizing or rupture, or the use of atheroablative devices(1). Management with prolonged balloon inflation can lead to significant ischemia. We present the first in-human use of a unique perfusion balloon that effectively balloon tamponades the coronary perforation whilst allowing for distal coronary perfusion and device delivery through a patent central lumen in the balloon owing to its helical design.