The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Cardiology Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 05; 11(1):e1-e1 

Venous Stent Migration to the Heart: Case 
Report and Review of the Literature 
Andrew Waack, M21*, Meghana Ranabothu, M21, Shikha Sharma, MD1, Neha J 
Patel, MD2

1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, 
OH 43614 
2Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: Andrew.Waack@rockets.utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Background: Venous stent migration (VSM) to the heart is considered a rare complication. Several case 
reports and case series have documented this event. A large percentage of reported cases were 
asymptomatic and discovered incidentally; additionally, there is no standardized database tracking stent 
migration occurrences. Therefore, the true incidence of VSM is likely higher than thought. Diagnosing 
this complication is obfuscated by its general presentation, which can include dyspnea, chest pain and 
arrhythmia. The diagnosis is often missed because of its non-specific presentation and the belief that it is 
a rare occurrence. We present a case of bilateral iliac vein stent migrations into the right ventricle and 
interlobar artery.   

Case presentation: A 74 year old woman with history of heart block and venous thromboembolism 
presented with dyspnea, atrial flutter and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Bilateral iliac vein stents 
were placed five years prior and a pacemaker six weeks prior. She was on warfarin and diltiazem. 
Physical exam demonstrated jugular distension, murmur, and lower extremity edema. Electrocardiogram 
revealed AV paced rhythm. 2-D transthoracic echo revealed a hyperechoic mass in the right ventricular 
outflow tract. A follow up CT revealed one iliac vein stent lodged in the right ventricular outflow tract 
and the other in a right interlobar pulmonary artery. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted, and the 
patient later underwent uneventful surgical removal of both stents.   

Conclusion: VSM is considered a rare complication; however, its true incidence is likely higher than 
commonly thought because many cases go undiagnosed and there is no standardized reporting process. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-647 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-647
mailto:Andrew.Waack@rockets.utoledo.edu