Percutaneous revascularization of the “unprotected” left main during acute myocardial infarction: “Dare to struggle! Dare to Win!”

Knowing the location of the vertebral and the internal mammary artery ostia is crucial during proximal subclavian artery percutaneous intervention to prevent inadvertent injury to either artery. We report a case of severe proximal left subclavian artery stenosis in a patient with a three‐vessel disease referred to coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Retrograde angiography via left radial access allowed visualization of the left internal mammary artery and the left vertebral artery ostia and placement of a Filterwire in the left vertebral artery. The proximal left subclavian artery was successfully stented without complications. Debris was retrieved in the Filterwire. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Successful stenting of total left subclavian artery occlusion post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery using dual left vertebral artery and left internal mammary artery protection

We report on a 68-year-old male patient (smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetic for 25 years) who was admitted with acute pulmonary edema 5 months after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery, saphenous vein graft to posterior descending artery, and sequential saphenous vein graft to obtuse marginal artery). He had no cardiac enzyme leakage and his left ventricular ejection fraction was > 50% on 2-dimensional echocardiography. He proved to have total calcific left subclavian artery occlusion and retrograde flow in both his left internal mammary artery and his left vertebral artery upon left subclavian angiography performed through the left brachial approach. Angiographic vertebral and coronary-subclavian steals were both supported with clinical manifestations. The patient underwent successful stenting to his left subclavian artery using dual protection to his left vertebral artery with filter protection device and to his left internal mammary artery using simple balloon inflation at its mouth before and after each subclavian artery angioplasty step. Three months later, the patient was free from any cardiac or neurologic complaints.     

Subclavian steal syndrome presenting as recurrent pulmonary oedema associated with acute left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Subclavian steal syndrome typically presents as angina in patients with internal mammary artery grafts. Atypical clinical presentations have been rarely described. We report an unusual case of subclavian steal syndrome presenting as pulmonary oedema with acute left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction in a patient with internal mammary artery graft and severe stenosis of the proximal left subclavian artery. After successful angioplasty and stenting of subclavian artery, the patient remained asymptomatic for six months, but then experienced acute diastolic dysfunction and recurrent pulmonary oedema associated with critical subclavian in-stent restenosis with stent deformation. This report points out that, in patients with internal mammary-to-LAD grafts, subclavian steal syndrome may present as acute left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary oedema even in the presence of normal ejection fraction.     

A patient with multiple vascular atherosclerotic distributions

The present report describes a patient who experienced unstable angina late after coronary artery bypass surgery, in which the left internal mammary artery was grafted to the left anterior descending artery. Catheterization revealed the culprit, which was left main stem obstructive disease, a significant proximal left subclavian artery (SCA) lesion and a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. The latter lesions were not suspected or revealed before catheterization. Combined surgical management was recommended; however, the patient died following recurrent angina that was complicated with pulmonary edema and cardiac arrest. Patients with severe coronary artery disease are at high risk of having multiple vascular atherosclerotic distributions including SCA stenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Recurrent angina after left internal mammary artery grafting should always raise the suspicion of a left SCA stenosis causing coronary subclavian steal. Such patients should undergo a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation to reveal the extent of atherosclerotic disease. Such an approach affects decision making in the catheterization laboratory and aids in choosing the safest and most effective treatment for the individual patient.     

Critical stenosis of bicarotid trunk and left subclavian artery with severe coronary artery disease - a management dilemma

A 48 yr. old patient suffering from bicarotid trunk and left subclavian artery stenosis with severe coronary artery disease was managed successfully by angioplasty and stenting of the bicarotid trunk and subclavian artery. This was followed by coronary artery bypass grafting after one month. He was free of angina and cerebrovascular symptoms at one and a half year follow up.     

Stent-Supported Recanalization of Supra-Aortic Vessels in Takayasu Arteritis—A Case Report

The aim of our article was to describe the use of transluminal recanalization supported by endovascular stenting in the case of multiple stenosis/occlusion of the supra-aortic vessels as a result of Takayasu arteritis. A 43-year-old male, suffering from upper-limb claudication and dizziness, was found to have severe stenosis of the right innominate artery and total occlusion of the left subclavian artery, leading to flow reversal in the left vertebral artery with consequent subclavian steal. The clinical picture was consistent with Takayasu arteritis in a quiescent stage. Dilatation and stenting of the innominate artery and recanalization and stenting of the left subclavian artery were performed without complication. At one-year followup the patient was asymptomatic; angiography disclosed full patency of the vessels treated, right common carotid ostium included, with no sign of restenosis.Transluminal percutaneous revascularization with stenting was successful and long-lasting in this patient with complex, nonatherosclerotic great vessels disease.     

ST-Segment elevation acute myocardial infarction due to severe hypotension and proximal left subclavian artery stenosis in a prior coronary artery bypass graft patient

Proximal subclavian artery stenosis may result in cardiac ischemia in coronary artery bypass graft patients with internal mammary grafts. We report a case of acute anterior myocardial infarction in such a patient who developed severe systemic hypotension. Symptoms and electrocardiographic changes resolved after proximal left subclavian artery stenting. Subclavian angiography should be considered in all prior coronary artery bypass graft patients with internal mammary grafts undergoing coronary angiography.     

Treatment of acute embolic occlusions of the subclavian and axillary arteries using a rotational thrombectomy device

Acute embolic or local thrombotic ischaemia of the upper limbs can be treated by embolectomy or by endovascular techniques. We report here on the endovascular thrombectomy of acute embolic occlusions of subclavian and axillary arteries in two patients using a rotational thrombectomy device and give an overview about the actual literature. Two female patients, each with a history of multivessel coronary disease and intermittent atrial fibrillation, complained of sudden onset of pain at rest and paleness of the left and right arm, respectively. Duplex ultrasound showed a localized embolic occlusion of the left subclavian artery and the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the first patient and a localized embolic occlusion of the distal right subclavian and axillary artery in the second patient. In the first patient, the left subclavian artery was reopened using a 8F-Rotarex device via the femoral access, while the bifurcation of the brachial artery was reopened by local thrombolysis using 25 mg rt-PA because of the insufficient length of the thrombectomy device of 80 cm. In the second patient, the right subclavian and axillary arteries were reopened using a 6F-Rotarex device. Follow-up examinations before discharge and after 6 months showed normalized perfusion of the arms of both patients.     

Endovascular stent-graft repair of acute thoracic aortic dissection--early clinical experiences

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of acute thoracic aortic dissection type B is the medical therapy used for most patients, according to Stanford. Surgical therapy involves a high mortality rate and is reserved for patients with complicated dissections. We report from four patients with acute thoracic aortic dissection, treated endoluminally by stent-graft implantation. METHODS: Four patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic dissections type B were treated endoluminally by transfemoral stent-graft implantation. Preoperative evaluation was performed with spiral-computed tomography and calibrated aortography. The Talent stent-graft system (Metronic) was used in all patients. RESULTS: The primary entry tear could be sealed successfully and complete thrombosis of the false thoracic aortic lumen was obtained in all cases. In one patient, transposition of the left subclavian artery was performed, in two patients the stent-grafts had to be placed across the origin of the left subclavian artery. No severe intra- or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Endoluminal treatment of acute thoracic aortic dissection seems to be a less invasive and effective therapy. Long-term results for this method are necessary.     

Stenting of the left carotid artery to relieve anginal symptoms.

Stenting of the carotid artery is usually performed either to prevent an acute neurologic event or to treat episodes of recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Occasionally, it may be performed for other indications. We describe the case of a patient with prior coronary artery bypass grafting using a left internal mammary arterial graft, in addition to left carotid artery to left subclavian artery bypass for symptomatic left subclavian stenosis, who subsequently underwent left common carotid artery stenting to relieve anginal symptoms.     

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome after internal mammary artery bypass grafting. A cause of severe postoperative recurrent myocardial ischemia

A 65-year-old underwent a triple bypass: internal artery mammary-descending coronary artery, aorta diagonal-lateral coronary (sequential). Three weeks later he started to have severe angina pectoris with ST depression in anterior EKG leads. A left transradial coronary angiography was performed. The examination showed a total occlusion of the left subclavian artery 2 cm after the aortic arch and a retrograde flow in the internal mammary artery (IMA). Via transfemoral approach, angiography showed the patency of the aorto-veinous sequential graft and a retrograde flow through anastomosis in the left mammary artery. The patient underwent a reimplantation of the IMA on the brachiocephalic artery. One month later the patient is doing well without chest pain. A coronary subclavian steal syndrome should be suspected in case of recurrent ischaemia after IMA bypass, particularly if there is more than 20 mmHg systolic pressure differential between the arms. Left transradial approach achieved diagnostic in case of total left subclavian artery occlusion.     

Transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery. Apropos of a case

The authors described a case of left subclavian artery stenosis, treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), in a patient with subclavian steal and arm claudication. The excellent technical and immediate clinical success justify this case report in consideration to the severe subocclusive lesion. The Authors present the clinical and technical aspects of subclavian artery PTA.     

Simultaneous coronary - subclavian and vertebral - subclavian steal syndrome.

Atherosclerotic disease of the coronary artery may simultaneously involve the subclavian artery, and a significant stenosis of the left subclavian artery may result in recurrent myocardial ischemia in patients with patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts because of 'coronary steal' through the LIMA. Isometric exercise of the left arm may improve myocardial perfusion through vertebral - subclavian steal by flow reversal in the ipsilateral vertebral artery because of the change in the pressure gradient between the circle of Willis and the distal subclavian artery. The present patient had coronary steal through a LIMA after coronary artery bypass surgery and a transient vertebral - subclavian steal with improved myocardial perfusion as a result of exercise of the left arm.     

Subclavian coronary steal syndrome: an obligatory common fate between subclavian artery,internal mammary graft and coronary circulation

The long-term patency of the left internal mammary artery (IMA) has made it the preferred conduit for myocardial revascularization. The proximal segment of the subclavian artery becomes functionally connected to the coronary circulation as a result of IMA implantation during coronary artery bypass surgery. The subclavian coronary steal syndrome results from stenosis in the left subclavian artery proximal to the IMA, compromising blood flow to the myocardium. We describe 7 patients, aged 55-75 years, 1.7-10.5 years after coronary bypass who presented with recurrent angina due to subclavian artery stenosis. The IMA graft was found open in each patient. A true steal mechanism was not demonstrated, casting doubt on the syndrome's traditional name. Angioplasty and stenting of the subclavian artery resulted in the immediate disappearance of angina and continuous benefit at a follow-up of 3-32 months. The subclavian coronary steal syndrome, although rare, is a severe condition readily treated by angioplasty and stenting.     

Pulmonary hypertension in Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare chronic vasculitis primarily involving the aorta and its main branches. The disease affects women much more frequently than men, the ratio being 8:1. The onset occurs in the teenage years, always before age of 40. Aortic regurgitation is rare. The pulmonary artery stenosis may also rarely occur. We report the case of a 49-year old female patient with Takayasu arteritis who presented with severe left pulmonary trunk stenosis resulting in pulmonary hypertension, severe aortic regurgitation due to the dilatation of the ascending aorta, mitral insufficiency, critical left renal artery stenosis, and probably with left main coronary artery stenosis. No severe stenosis or occlusion in the mid portion of mid subclavian artery lesion were present. Because the patient presented with serious congestive heart failure, she underwent mitral valvuloplasty and aortic valve replacement. However, the patient died in early postoperative period due to pulmonary hypertension which failed to respond to pharmacotherapy.     

“象鼻”支架术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层胸主动脉腔内修复术后Ⅰ型内漏

目的:回顾应用支架"象鼻"术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层胸主动脉腔内修复术(TEVAR)术后Ⅰ型内漏的临床效果。方法:2009年3月至2013年1月,首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院,收治的Stanford B型主动脉夹层TEVAR术后Ⅰ型内漏12例患者进行回顾性分析。12例患者均为男性,平均年龄(50.2±6.2)岁,平均身高(171.92±4.98)cm,平均体质量(77.50±8.43)kg,所有患者均无相关家族遗传病史,均有高血压病史,与第一次TEVAR术间隔时间平均34.4个月。支架"象鼻"术均在全麻体外循环下进行。如漏口暴露清楚,可缝闭漏口;如置入支架裸区妨碍象鼻支架缝合,可剪除部分裸露部分金属支架或将置入支架取出;如漏口累及左锁骨下动脉开口,可将左锁骨下动脉近端缝闭,截断左锁骨下动脉,其远端与左颈总动脉行端侧吻合,建立左颈总动脉至左锁骨下动脉转流或8mm人工血管行升主动脉至左腋动脉或左锁骨下动脉转流。于之前置入的支架内置入26~30mm Microport术中支架血管,覆盖内漏破口。术后随访6~48个月,平均6.53个月。结果:12例支架"象鼻"术均为择期手术,其中7例患者漏口位置累及左锁骨下动脉,4例剪除置入支架金属裸区;1例将置入支架取出;3例术中支架血管近端吻合于左锁骨下动脉以远,8例吻合于左颈总动脉与左锁骨下动脉之间;4例同期行左颈总动脉至左锁骨下动脉转流术;2例行升主动脉-左锁骨下动脉转流术;2例行升主动脉-左腋动脉转流术;1例患者因合并二尖瓣关闭不全同期行二尖瓣置换术;1例合并迷走右锁骨下动脉的患者同期行升主动脉-右腋动脉转流术。12例患者手术时间为平均(5.92±1.14)小时,平均住院时间为(21.92±9.14)天,2例患者术后出现围术期并发症,其中1例胸骨哆开,行再次胸骨固定痊愈;1例术前肾功能不全,术后出现急性肾衰竭,经透析治疗后肾功能恢复。本组患者均顺利出院。所有患者术后内漏均消失,术后随访6~48个月,平均6.53个月,均无复发。在术后随访期间,3例患者支架远端病变需再次处理,1例患者术后7个月出现支架感染、咯血、死亡。结论:应用支架"象鼻"术治疗Stanford B型主动脉夹层TEVAR术后Ⅰ型内漏,有较好的临床疗效,但远期效果仍需进一步观察。     

Claudication pain in the left arm of a coronary artery bypass graft patient using crutches: Coronary subclavian steal syndrome - a case report

A 77-year-old male former smoker with hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery three years before admission and right carotid endarterectomy four years before admission, presented with recent-onset exertional chest pain. His medical history revealed that the chest pain was preceded by gradually worsening exertional claudication pain in his left arm when he was using crutches. The chest pain was similar to the pain he experienced before the coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed. Coronary angiography and bypass graft imaging showed significant stenosis of the left subclavian artery proximal to the origin of the left internal mammary artery bypass, decreased flow in the left internal mammary artery with partial retrograde filling from the left anterior descending artery, and severe narrowing of the left vertebral artery with preserved centrifugal flow. Percutaneous stent implantation into the left subclavian artery was performed together with proximal balloon angioplasty of the left vertebral artery. The patient has been symptom free since the stent implantation.     

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation through a diseased left common carotid artery: Combined approach with endarterectomy and left carotid‐subclavian bypass

We report a case of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the self‐expanding Medtronic CoreValve bioprosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MI) through a diseased left common carotid (LCC) artery. This 81‐year‐old male patient presented with heart failure due to a severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis. Comorbidities included diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as well as peripheral and coronary artery disease, resulting in a logistic EuroScore II of 25.9%. Consequently, he was rejected to undergo surgery and a transcatheter approach was planned. Due to severe peripheral vascular disease with iliofemoral lesions, significant calcifications and unfavourable angulations of the innominate artery as well as prior bypass surgery precluding a direct aortic and subclavian approach, none of the established access sites were suitable. Therefore, we considered a left carotid access, which had to be combined with a surgical endarterectomy for treatment of a significant common carotid bifurcation stenosis and left subclavian‐LCC permanent tunnel bypass graft. The procedure was successful without cardiac, cerebrovascular, or access complications. This case illustrates a true heart team approach, establishing a unique access for TAVI for patients without regular access options. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Refractory rapidly progressive Takayasu’s arteritis successfully treated with surgery

We describe a case of a patient with rapidly progressive Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy in whom bypass surgery was successfully performed. A 38-year-old woman had 2 years history of symptoms of compromised cerebral circulation, severe claudication of upper and lower limbs and stenocardial symptoms. Serial arteriography revealed occlusions of the right subclavian and right common iliac arteries and later on stenosis of the abdominal aorta and complete obliteration of the left subclavian artery. Coronarography did not show coronary stenosis. Completely occluded left subclavian artery resulted in a characteristic subclavian steal syndrome. Therapy with combined immunosuppressants was ineffective, severe ischaemic symptoms related to arterial occlusions progressed and surgical intervention was inevitable. She underwent aorto–bifemoral and 10 months later left carotid-axillary bypass grafting. The ischaemic symptoms were resolved after surgery. At 3 years follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of restenosis. This case indicates that patients with progressive TA with no improvement while on conventional immunosuppressive therapy could have satisfactory outcome and excellent long-term clinical remission after multiple arterial bypass grafting.     

Meleney's postoperative gangrene

The authors report the case of a 40 years old man undergoing MOPP chemotherapy for stage III Bb type 2 Hodgkin's disease with immune depression. Six years later he developed two episodes of unilateral transient loss of vision and severe stenosis of the left common carotid artery was found leading to surgical reimplantation of the left subclavian artery. Quickly spreading cutaneous necrosis was observed 5 days after surgery on the scar and the irradiated area: Meleney's postoperative gangrene, an unusual and frequently fatal complication of unknown cause. The patient recovered in two months after wide excision of the necrosed tissues and a skin autograft.