Percutaneous saphenectomy: a potentially dreadful complication of cutting balloon angioplasty in saphenous vein grafts

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Jan 26;106(3):418-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.01.017.

Abstract

Vessel perforation is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention and is often associated with the use of atheroablative devices. While effective management means are currently available, such as PTFE-covered stent, pericardiocentesis, and perfusion balloon, a timely and skillful approach is of paramount importance to solve this dreadful complication. We hereby describe a case of saphenous vein graft (SVG) perforation occurring after cutting balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis. Despite the immediate occurrence of cardiac arrest due to massive extravasation of contrast in the mediastinum with pericardial tamponade, deep catheter intubation enabled the deployment of two PTFE-covered stents and subsequent sealing of the leak with repeated inflation of a perfusion balloon, while hemopericardium was drained by pericardiocentesis. This clinical vignette emphasizes the role of optimal backup in order to deploy life-saving devices and successfully manage life-threatening pericardial tamponade due to SVG rupture.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / adverse effects
  • Atherectomy / adverse effects*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / therapy
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / methods
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / etiology
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / therapy*
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardiocentesis
  • Saphenous Vein / injuries*
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Stents