Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in saphenous vein grafts: a visualization strategy to improve outcome with new uses for the aspiration catheter

J Invasive Cardiol. 2007 Sep;19(9):E271-5.

Abstract

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) is often a high-risk procedure associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes. Venous grafts frequently supply a clinically important myocardial territory. These vessels, however, combine the problems of a less predictable course and run-off as compared to native vessels with the presence of severe degenerative atherosclerosis. These factors amplify the risk due to an increased chance of distal embolization and no-reflow. We present three different situations during primary PCI in SVGs where a thrombosuction catheter was utilized to visualize the problem and then apply therapeutic maneuvers that proved crucial in achieving a successful result.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / instrumentation
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / methods*
  • Cardiac Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Bypass*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mammary Arteries / transplantation
  • Middle Aged
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation*
  • Suction