Early experience of transluminal coronary angioplasty (TCA) by the brachial artery (the sones technique in transluminal angioplasty)

Sixteen translumlnal coronary angioplasty procedures (TCA), eight right coronary artery (RCA) and eight left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), by the brachial artery cut-down approach, were attempted with 9/16 (56%) immediate successes and 2/16 (12%) early recurrences. The procedure success rate for RCA obstructive lesions, 6/8 (75%) was greater than for LCA obstructions, 3/8 (38%). In six unsuccessful procedures the balloon catheter could not be advanced into the lesion, and in one unsuccessful procedure dissection of the coronary artery proximal to the lesion occurred. The brachial (Sones) technique for transluminal coronary angioplasty permits the use of softer guiding catheters for selective probing and approach to the coronary lesion but may be more likely to induce coronary spasm. Complete and high-resolution pre TCA anglograms with multiple views to disclose the exact anatomy of the coronary artery and Its lesion Is essential to ensure successful dilatation.     

Frequency and predictors of left ventricular segmental dysfunction in patients with recent rest angina.

The relation between coronary artery lesion morphology and associated segmental left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with unstable angina is unclear. Fifty-two patients with angina occurring at rest who underwent cardiac catheterization within 3 days of the last episode of pain and had no enzymatic evidence for myocardial necrosis were evaluated. Coronary artery narrowings deemed responsible for the ischemic episodes were analyzed with regard to the artery involved, maximal diameter of the narrowing, presence of thrombus, and complex appearance. Time to catheterization, age, sex and electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia were also noted. Segmental LV dysfunction in the territory supplied by the "culprit lesion" was present in 58% of patients. It occurred significantly more often with lesion location in the left anterior descending coronary artery, and was less frequent with lesions in the left circumflex and ramus coronary arteries. Ischemic electrocardiographic changes were more sensitive in predicting LV dysfunction with culprit lesion location in the left anterior descending or right coronary artery. LV dysfunction could not be predicted by any other parameter analyzed. It is concluded that postischemic LV dysfunction occurs frequently in rest angina, especially when the severest narrowing is in the left anterior descending coronary artery.     

家族性高胆固醇血症纯合子患者颈动脉病变的高分辨MRI成像

目的:应用高分辨磁共振观察家族性高胆固醇血症纯合子患者颈动脉改变,明确动脉粥样硬化病变分布及类型,以便为FH患者临床治疗提供有价值的影像学依据。方法:采用高分辨磁共振对5例经临床诊断FH纯合子患者(男∶女=3∶2,平均年龄17岁,平均低密度脂蛋白胆固醇17.12 mmol/L)进行磁共振颈动脉血管壁及磁共振增强血管造影检查,观察动脉粥样硬化病变的分布,斑块类型,管腔狭窄程度,计算血管壁负荷。结果:所有患者颈总动脉、颈内动脉、颈外动脉均可见管壁增厚,斑块类型以早期的脂质斑块为主。在年龄较大的患者中斑块呈偏心性分布,管腔明显狭窄,并伴有较高的血管壁负荷。结论:高分辨MRI可以定性定量分析病变程度。为随访观察及个体化治疗提供有直观影像依据。     

Treatment strategies in the left main coronary artery disease associated with acute coronary syndromes

Significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is not rare and reported 3 to 10% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Unprotected LMCA intervention is a still clinical challenge and surgery is still going to be a traditional management method in many cardiac centers. With a presentation of drug eluting stent (DES), extensive use of IVUS and skilled operators, number of such interventions increased rapidly which lead to change in recommendation in the guidelines regarding LMCA procedures in the stable angina (Class 2a recommendation for ostial and shaft lesion and class 2b recommendation for distal bifurcation lesion). However, there was not clear consensus about the management of unprotected LMCA lesion associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI) with a LMCA culprit lesion itself or distinct culprit lesion of other major coronary arteries. Surgery could be preferred as an obligatory management strategy even in the high risk patients. With this review, we aimed to demonstrate treatment strategies of LMCA disease associated with acute coronary syndrome, particularly acute myocardial infarction (MI). In addition, we presented a short case series with LMCA lesion and ST elevated acute MI in which culprit lesion placed either in the left anterior descending artery or circumflex artery. We reviewed the current medical literature and propose simple algorithm for management.Abbreviations: CABG, coronary artery bypass graft; CX, circumflex artery; DES, drug-eluting stent; IVUS, intravascular ultrasonography; LAD, left anterior descending artery; LMCA, left main coronary artery; MI, myocardial infarction; PCI, percutaneous coronary interventions; RCA, right coronary artery; SYNTAX, synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXUS and cardiac surgery; TIMI, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction     

"Backdoor" alternative approach to stenting of a post-anastomotic coronary artery lesion via a chronically obstructed right coronary artery after failure to stent through a tortuous free internal mammary graft

We describe the case of a patient who previously had coronary artery bypass grafting including a free right internal mammary artery graft anastomosed to a chronic totally occluded right coronary artery (RCA) proximally and distally and who presented with a high-risk acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed the graft to be patent with a distal post-anastomotic culprit lesion within the posterolateral branch of the native RCA. Because of technical challenges, PCI could not be performed through the graft and the lesion was stented via the chronically occluded RCA instead, in a "backdoor" approach with a good final result.     

Isolated coronary artery rupture after blunt chest trauma

After blunt chest trauma, a patient with chronic coronary heart disease sustained an isolated rupture of the right coronary artery. All findings suggested a heart contusion complicated by a non-compromising pericardial effusion and aggravated by anticoagulation with phenprocoumon. After right-ventricular failure occurred, emergency coronary revascularization could not prevent a fatal outcome. This case emphasizes that a coronary artery lesion may be considered in those cases of thoracic trauma with preexisting coronary calcification.     

Revisiting the culprit lesion in non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Results from the VANQWISH trial angiographic core laboratory

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the underlying coronary anatomy and characterize the culprit lesion after non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQWMI). BACKGROUND: Although the culprit lesion and infarct-related artery often are easily identified with coronary angiography after Q-wave MI, the culprit lesion after NQWMI has not been well characterized. Small retrospective studies have suggested that the absence of Q-waves on an electrocardiogram is due to incomplete occlusion of the infarct-related artery. METHODS: Coronary angiograms from 350 patients randomized to the early invasive strategy in the Veterans Affairs Non-Q-Wave Infarction Strategies in-Hospital (VANQWISH) trial were systematically analyzed in an angiographic core laboratory. A consensus panel identified the culprit lesion and the infarct-related artery using prespecified criteria for complex lesion morphology and acute versus chronic occlusions. Severity of angiographic disease and left ventricular function also were analyzed. Patients with a single identified culprit lesion were compared with those who had multiple apparent culprits and those without an identifiable culprit lesion. RESULTS: A single culprit lesion was identified in only 49% of patients undergoing early angiography after NQWMI. The majority of patients either had no identifiable culprit (37%) or multiple apparent culprit lesions (14%). A single incomplete occlusion of the infarct-related artery was found in only 36% of patients, and an isolated acute occlusion of the infarct-related artery occurred in 13%. Patients without an identifiable culprit lesion had severe coronary disease (obstructive coronary artery disease [CAD] in 84%) but no complex lesion morphology. There was no difference in angiographic severity of disease comparing patients with and without identifiable culprit lesions. Patients with a single incomplete occlusion of the infarct-related artery were more likely to undergo percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty than other patients, whereas patients with multiple culprit lesions were more frequently treated with coronary artery bypass grafting. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary angiography early after NQWMI frequently identifies severe obstructive CAD, but a single identifiable culprit lesion was identified in <50% of patients. Multiple culprit lesions were seen in 14% of patients. An angiographic culprit lesion could not be identified in more than one-third of patients undergoing coronary angiography as part of an invasive strategy.     

Negative remodeling at the ostium of the left anterior descending artery induced myocardial ischemia

We report a case of a patient with exertional angina whose coronary angiography showed a severe stenosis at the ostium of the left coronary anterior descending artery. However, intravascular ultrasound imaging demonstrated only mild plaque burden and negative remodeling, with a 0.66 ratio of external elastic membrane area of the lesion to the distal site. The lesion was successfully treated with stenting. Therefore, our case suggests that negative remodeling at an ostial lesion could be the primary cause of myocardial ischemia.     

Sclerosing cholangitis after chemotherapy by continuous hepatic intra-arterial infusion of fluorodeoxyuridine

A case of sclerosing cholangitis after a two-month treatment by hepatic artery infusion of FUDR is reported. The patient presented with jaundice and a marked increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity which persisted after withdrawal of FUDR infusion. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram revealed a stricture of the middle part of the common bile duct, which was treated by endoprosthesis insertion. From this report, as well as those previously published, it is concluded that sclerosing cholangitis may complicate continuous hepatic artery infusion with FUDR. This lesion could be secondary to an FUDR-induced arteritis in the branches of hepatic artery which supply bile ducts.     

常规心电图在心肌梗死诊断中的价值

目的 在心肌梗死患者中，观察心电图改变与梗死相关冠脉(IRA)病变之间的相关性。方法 51例入选分析。所有病例均接受冠脉造影。结果 以左前降支(LAD)为梗死相关冠脉(IRA)，单次梗死者，最常累及的导联是V2导联，无论单支病变还是双支和三支病变，部分病例都累及右胸导联和下壁导联；以右冠(RCA)或左回旋支(LCX)为IRA，均可累及下壁和右胸导联，但LCX可累及高侧壁或侧壁。结论 在心肌梗死患者中，分析常规12导联心电图，有助对冠脉病变的推测，在此基础上加选用导联，能更精确推测冠脉病变。     

Treatment for LMCA ostial stenosis using a bifurcation technique with a retrograde approach

A 69‐year‐old man who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in February 2008. The surgery included grafting of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the diagonal branch (D1) and a saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the left circumflex artery (LCX) due to ostial stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). The patient presented with recurring effort chest pain 18 months later. Coronary CT revealed that the LITA‐D1 graft was patent, the SVG‐LCX graft was occluded, and there was severe ostial stenosis of the LMCA. Coronary angiography was performed in August 2009, but a 5‐Fr diagnostic catheter could not be engaged due to the severe ostial stenosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed 5 days later with an attempt to cross the lesion with a guidewire using a retrograde approach through the LITA‐D1 graft. However, the guidewire could not be crossed using a conventional technique due to the extreme angulation of the LITA‐D1 anastomosis. Therefore, we attempted to use a reversed guidewire technique. After crossing the LMCA ostial lesion the retrograde wire was snared through antegradely for insertion of the guiding catheter via the right brachial artery. We were able to engage the guiding catheter in the left coronary artery and implant the stent successfully using the antegrade approach. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Novel use of a GuideLiner catheter to visualize distal LAD after LIMA anastomosis in selective coronary angiography

We report a case of GuideLiner catheter use during transradial intervention for selective coronary angiography of the distal left anterior descending artery (LAD), beyond the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosis. The lesion within the LAD was located distal to the anastomosis of a very tortuous LIMA, otherwise unable to be visualized due to competitive flow from the LIMA. Stenting by way of the LIMA could not be performed due to this severe tortuosity as well. Alternatively, performance of the intervention without GuideLiner assistance would have required dual access, with injections both through the LIMA graft and the native LAD for angiography and intervention. Use of the GuideLiner served the purpose of selective LAD angiography to visualize the lesion, as well as delivery of the stent through a proximally calcified LAD. Using this single transradial route allowed the intervention to be completed, while reducing complications due to multiple access sites.     

心型脂肪酸结合蛋白与急性冠脉综合征患者冠状动脉病变程度的关系

目的探讨心型脂肪酸结合蛋白(heart-type fatty acid-binding protein,H-FABP)与近期发作急性冠脉综合征患者的冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关性及原因分析。方法入选暨南大学医学院附属第四医院急性冠脉综合征(发作12 h内)患者168例,其中急性心肌梗死86例、不稳定型心绞痛82例。采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测血清H-FABP、肌钙蛋白(cardiac troponin T,CTnT)及肌酸磷酸激酶同工酶(creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme,CK-MB)浓度。采用Gensini积分系统对冠状动脉血管病变狭窄程度、病变部位及范围进行定量评定。比较急性心肌梗死组与不稳定型心绞痛组血清H-FABP浓度及冠状动脉病变Gensini积分;比较Gensini积分、冠状动脉狭窄程度、病变支数亚组之间H-FABP浓度;采用直线回归分析方法分析血清H-FABP浓度与冠状动脉病变严重程度、血清cTnT浓度、血清CK-MB浓度的相关性。结果急性心肌梗死组血清H-FABP浓度显著高于不稳定型心绞痛组,差异有统计学意义[(88.5±32.9)pg/mL vs.(14.3±5.4)pg/mL,P<0.01]。随着冠状动脉狭窄程度加重、累及支数增加及Gensini积分增加,血清H-FABP浓度显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清H-FABP浓度与cTnT(r=0.627,P<0.05)及CK-MB(r=0.530,P<0.05)具有相关性;与患者冠状动脉病变严重程度呈正相关(r=0.538,P<0.01),其相关系数高于cTnT与冠状动脉病变严重程度的相关性(r=0.385,P<0.05)。结论血清H-FABP浓度升高反映了冠状动脉病变严重程度,临床可根据血清H-FABP浓度升高推断冠状动脉病变的严重程度,并采取积极的治疗措施。     

Drug-eluting stents for left main coronary artery stenosis: case selection and technical issues

The use of coronary stents for the treatment of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is feasible and is associated with a high rate of procedural success and low rates of early and late complications, such as death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis, in low-risk patient populations. Patients at high risk for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), however, have reduced event-free survival after stenting. Compared with bare-metal stents for LMCA disease, the subsequent rate of target lesion revascularization appears to be diminished by use of drug-eluting stents (DESs), with similar or enhanced survival and freedom from myocardial infarction. Intravascular ultrasonographic guidance during the procedure is strongly encouraged to assess the lesion, select an appropriate stenting technique, and achieve optimal stent placement. Results of prospective randomized trials comparing the use of DESs with CABG may be needed to ascertain whether DESs could be a reasonable alternative for patients with LMCA disease.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty via dorsalis pedis artery for chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral artery: a case report

A 60-year-old woman with intermittent claudication underwent angiography, which showed total occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery and no distal flow. Computed tomography with contrast medium revealed that the occlusion extended to the popliteal artery but distal flow was maintained to the dorsalis pedis artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was attempted via the right femoral artery, but the guidewire could not be advanced. Therefore, a 4F sheath was inserted into the dorsalis pedis artery and the guidewire was passed through the occluded lesion. After pre-dilation, the guidewire was re-crossed from the right femoral artery and two stents were successfully implanted. Finally sufficient antegrade blood flow was achieved after the procedure. The trans-dorsalis pedis artery approach is a valuable option for the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of long superficial femoral artery occlusion if the antegrade approach is impossible.     

Staged revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndromes due to saphenous vein graft failure and chronic total occlusion of the native vessel: A novel concept

Percutaneous coronary intervention of saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions can be challenging due to high risk for acute and long‐term complications. Treating the corresponding native coronary artery lesion(s) is preferable, but may not be feasible in the acute setting, due to high technical difficulty, especially when the native coronary lesion is a chronic total occlusion (CTO). We describe a novel concept of “staged revascularization” in patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome due to SVG failure, whose native coronary artery supplied by the SVG has a CTO. In the first stage, the culprit SVG lesion is treated restoring flow to the supplied myocardium and minimizing the extent of myocardial injury. During the second stage (typically few weeks later), revascularization of the corresponding native coronary artery lesion(s) is performed, often using the initially treated SVG for retrograde crossing of the native coronary artery CTO. We describe two cases of non‐ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction due to SVG failure that were treated with “staged revascularization”: the culprit SVG was initially treated followed by staged revascularization of the corresponding native coronary artery CTO. Staged revascularization of SVG lesions causing acute coronary syndromes may allow optimization of both acute and long‐term outcomes.     

169例心脏瓣膜病冠状动脉造影分析

心脏瓣膜病患者瓣膜置换术前了解冠状动脉形态和变异，对手术时是否同时作搭桥术及术后处理有重要意义，国内对此报道极少。我们对１６９例心脏瓣膜病者术前临床资料和冠状动脉造影结果进行综合分析对比，结果表明：１４．８％的心脏瓣膜病伴发冠心病，其中无症状者占８０％。由于瓣膜病患者常有心电图ＳＴ－Ｔ的非特异性改变（本组达７８．４％），使临床常用的无创性检查不能对合并冠心病作出肯定诊断，必须作冠状动脉造影才能确诊。本研究表明，年龄大于５０岁者，心瓣膜置换术前应常规行冠状动脉造影检查，以减少手术并发症及病死率。     

Non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafts using multi-slice computed tomography: initial clinical experience

Recurrence of angina pectoris in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to severe coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common problem. Non-invasive imaging of coronary artery bypass grafts by computed tomography was first described in the early 1980s. Meanwhile, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is now available. This new technique allows detection of coronary lesions with good sensitivity and specificity due to continuous improvement and modification of this method. The aim of this study was to investigate whether stenosis or occlusion of CABG can be detected by MSCT. Ten consecutive male patients (mean age 61±9.1 years) with previous CABG surgery and 21 bypass grafts (14 venous grafts, seven arterial grafts) were included in this study. Conventional coronary angiography and MSCT angiography (MSCTA) were performed in all patients. MSCTA results were compared with coronary angiography in regard of visualization and lesion detection in CABG. The analysis of MSCTA was performed blinded to the angiographic results. It was found that 18 of 21 bypass grafts (86%) were analyzable by MSCTA: seven of 21 (33%) grafts showed a significant stenosis (>75%), while six of them were detected by MSCTA (sensitivity: 86%, positive predictive value: 0.75). Dissection of one arterial graft could not be evaluated by MSCTA. Twelve of 13 grafts without severe lesion showed no significant stenosis in MSCTA (negative predictive value: 0.86). All grafts without severe lesions by MSCT showed no significant lesion in X-ray angiography (specificity: 100%). MSCTA is a promising new method for the detection of lesions in coronary artery bypass grafts. However, these data based on a small number has to be reevaluated by larger studies.     

Transcatheter arterial embolization for uncontrolled bleeding during endoscopic submucosal dissection of the stomach

Bleeding during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an important complication. Here, we report a case of early gastric cancer in which endoscopic hemostasis during ESD failed, hemostasis by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed, and ESD was subsequently completed. ESD was scheduled for an 89-year-old male with a type IIa + IIc lesion located on the anterior wall of the gastric antrum. During ESD, bleeding started and then increased. Hemoclips were used but the bleeding could not be controlled. ESD could not be continued because of a poor field of vision. We decided on TAE for hemostasis of the bleeding. Celiac angiography clearly showed extravasation in a branch of the right gastric artery. TAE with a microcoil and gelfoam was performed through the right gastric artery. ESD was started again directly after TAE. We were able to completely resect the lesion with a good field of vision. No complications occurred after therapy. He was alive without recurrence at 18 months after ESD. Thus, TAE is suggested to be a useful hemostatic method during ESD.     

Essential thrombocythemia associated with angina pectoris with unusual coronary artery findings

A case of ET associated with angina pectoris is presented. Angiography showed a 3.0-cm long mosaic-like thrombus shadow consisting of small filling defects in the proximal left anterior descending artery. The lesion could not be reduced with warfarin, ticlopidine, trapidil, urokinase or melphalan. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed successfully.