The compromise of side-branches following coronary angioplasty of the parent vessel remains a limitation of the procedure. Reports of dilation through a Palmaz-Schatz stent to salvage a compromised side-branch covered by the stent have been made. We examined the distortion of stent geometry which occurs following this procedure in a rabbit model. Palmaz-Schatz stents were placed at the aortoiliac bifurcation in 7 rabbits and the contralateral iliac artery was dilated through the stent. Despite good angiographic results, varied degrees of stent distortion were noted on gross pathologic analysis. Most distortion occurred when the arteries were dilated through the ends of the struts or through the "diamonds," and least distortion occurred during dilation through the mid-artriculation site. While good stent depolyment is thought to be necessary for improved outcomes, the distortion of stents after balloon dilation through the stent, despite good angiographic results, may have negative implications for both short- and long-term outcomes.