A "grapple hook" technique using a deflectable tip catheter to facilitate complex proximal circumflex interventions.

We present two patients with angulated, proximal left circumflex lesions, one a chronic total occlusion and one an acute subtotal occlusion. In both cases, use of the deflectable tip Venture Catheter (Velocimed, Minneapolis, MN) facilitated guide wire passage and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after prior attempts at guide wire passage with standard wires were unsuccessful.     

Novel uses of the proxis embolic protection catheter

The Proxis catheter has been designed for proximal embolic protection during saphenous vein graft interventions. The Proxis catheter's flexible and kink‐resistant design, lubricity, and atraumatic tip allow deep seating in target vessels. We describe six challenging percutaneous coronary intervention cases, in which the Proxis catheter was used in arterial grafts, sequential saphenous vein grafts, and native coronary arteries. Deep seating of the Proxis catheter enabled vessel visualization and equipment delivery, allowing successful completion of each case. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Transradial approach for coronary angiography and interventions in patients with coronary bypass grafts: Tips and tricks

Among patients undergoing coronary procedures, patients with coronary artery bypass grafts represent an important, high risk subgroup. Routine transradial approach may be successfully adopted in these patients to reduce access‐site complications. However, transradial cannulation of the grafts may result technically demanding. In this article we discuss the specific technical issues and we present a series of tips and tricks which may facilitate angiography and interventions on both internal mammary and aorto‐coronary grafts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Successful retrograde treatment of a mid left anterior descending artery chronic total occlusion using a novel “guide parallel to wire” technique

Antegrade crossing of a chronic total occlusion adjacent to a large side branch may fail. We describe a patient in whom a chronic total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery was successfully crossed retrogradely through an apical collateral after a failed antegrade crossing attempt. No balloon was long enough to reach the left anterior descending artery lesion retrogradely. A retrograde Whisper wire was snared though an antegrade left main guide catheter introduced via the radial approach. We were unable to retrieve the wire via the radial guide catheter because of wire fracture during withdrawal. Externalization of the retrograde guidewire required use of a Frontrunner catheter and removal of the antegrade guide catheter. The lesion was predilated with a retrograde balloon inserted without a guide over the retrograde wire. A 5F guide catheter was introduced next to the retrograde wire through the radial sheath (“guide parallel to wire” technique) followed by successful antegrade crossing and stenting of the mid left anterior descending artery lesion. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

“Armored” aspiration catheter technique to enhance aspiration catheter delivery in challenging thrombus‐containing lesions

Use of aspiration catheters can improve the outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in thrombus‐containing lesions, yet delivery of such catheters may be difficult, especially in tortuous and calcified vessels and when guide catheter support is poor. We report two cases demonstrating successful application of a novel “armored” aspiration catheter technique, in which a 0.035 inch guidewire is inserted via the aspiration lumen to render the aspiration catheter stiffer and facilitate delivery to the target vessel thrombotic segment. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Transfemoral use of the guideLiner catheter in complex coronary and bypass graft interventions

The GuideLiner catheter (Vascular Solutions, Minneapolis, MN) is a novel, rapid exchange catheter that allows deep vessel intubation. We describe 21 patients in whom the GuideLiner catheter [7 French (F) in 76% and 6F in 24%] was used to facilitate equipment delivery (n = 14) or vessel engagement (n = 7). Pressure dampening after GuideLiner catheter insertion was observed in 12 patients (57%). The procedure was successfully completed in 19 patients (90%) and one patient developed acute vessel closure, likely due to dissection. The GuideLiner catheter can facilitate complex coronary interventions but should be used with caution to minimize the risk for vessel injury. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Retrograde recanalization of native coronary artery chronic occlusions via acutely occluded vein grafts

Treatment of acutely occluded saphenous vein grafts may be challenging due to large thrombus burden and diffuse disease. We report two cases of thrombotic saphenous vein graft occlusion, in which after percutaneous attempts to recanalize the saphenous vein graft failed, the target native coronary artery chronic total occlusions were successfully treated using a retrograde approach. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass plus coronary stent for acute coronarysyndrome: a case report

A 69-year old female patient was admitted because of 3 days of worsened chest pain.Coronary angiography showed 60% stenosis of distal left main stem,chronic total occlusion of left anterior descending (LAD),70% stenosis at the ostium of a small left circumflex,70-90% stenosis at the paroxysmal and middle part of a dominant right coronary artery (RCA),and a normal left internal mammary artery (LIMA) with normal origination and orientation.Percutaneous intervention was attempted but failed on the occluded lesion of LAD.The patient received minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) with left LIMA isolation by Davinci robot.Eleven days later,the RCA lesion was treated by Sirolimus Rapamicin eluting stents implantation percutaneously.Then the patient was discharged uneventfully after 3 days hospitalization.Our experience suggests that two stop shops of hybrid technique be feasible and safe in the treatment of elderly patient with multiple coronary diseases.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术和药物支架植入术远期疗效的比较

目的比较冠心病患者非药物治疗手段冠状动脉旁路移植术（CABG）和经皮冠状动脉介入治疗（PCI）术后的桥血管和支架的再通率。方法CABG术后和药物支架植入术后再次出现心绞痛症状的冠心病患者各40例,其年龄、性别、心肌梗死、高血压、高脂血症、心功能不全、脑卒中、药物治疗病史具有可比性。通过冠状动脉造影术比较两组患者的桥血管和药物支架的效率和寿命的远期效果。结果与行CABG患者的桥血管比较,行PCI患者的药物支架远期狭窄或者闭塞率降低34．3％。与行CABG患者的左乳内动脉（LIMA）桥血管比较,行PCI患者的左前降支的药物支架远期狭窄或者闭塞率降低14．8％。与行CABG患者的左回旋支和右冠状动脉静脉桥血管比较,行PCI患者的左回旋支以及右冠状动脉的药物支架远期狭窄或者闭塞率降低49．8％。结论冠状动脉药物支架植入术的远期通畅率较CABG明显增高,冠状动脉药物支架植入术的药物支架的效率和寿命要优于CABG的桥血管。     

Percutaneous coronary interventions on vein graft bifurcation lesions presenting as an acute coronary syndrome

Interventions on graft bifurcation lesions are uncommon, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We described three cases of graft bifurcation intervention where we tailored our approach based on lesion characteristics, anatomy, and angulation to achieve excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes. In case 1, shared ostia of saphenous vein graft (SVG) to Diagonal (D) and Radial graft to Obtuse Marginal (OM) was severely stenosed. We prioritized the radial arterial graft as it is known to have a longer patency rate over a totally occluded SVG of an undetermined period. We performed provisional stenting of the ostium of the radial artery and balloon angioplasty of the SVG ostium, while stenting the body of the SVG. In case 2 (bifurcation lesion at the anastomosis of SVG to D1 and sequential jump graft to OM), we utilized a V stenting strategy after an embolization protection device (EPD) was deployed in the branch with a suitable landing zone. Kissing balloon dilatation of both the branches was performed both pre- and poststenting. In case 3 (bifurcation lesion at SVG to OM and Sequential “T” graft to diagonal), there was >90% angulation between both the grafts. We used “T” stenting strategy in this case. At 2-year follow-up, patients had no major adverse cardiovascular events since and remained symptom free.     

Use of the Crossboss catheter in coronary chronic total occlusion due to in-stent restenosis

We describe treatment of six chronic total occlusions due to in-stent restenosis with the CrossBoss catheter (BridgePoint Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota). The CrossBoss catheter allowed successful CTO crossing in 5 of 6 lesions (83%): in 50% the catheter entered the distal true lumen, whereas in 33% a wire was required for distal true lumen crossing. No complications were observed. Use of the CrossBoss catheter can facilitate treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions due to in-stent restenosis.     

Comparative outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in diabetics vs non-diabetics with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.

AIMS: To determine the influence of diabetes on outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from 1 January 1996, to 31 August 2000, were divided into two groups based on whether or not they had diabetes, excluding patients with acute infarction or shock. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to estimate the association between diabetes and adverse events. One thousand one hundred and fifty-three post-coronary artery bypass grafting percutaneous coronary intervention patients were identified (326 diabetics and 827 non-diabetics). Diabetics were younger, more likely to have hypertension, heart failure, and lower ejection fraction. Procedural characteristics and angiographic and procedural success rates were similar. Diabetes was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence intervals 1.10-2.27). Diabetes did not have a significant effect on mortality in patients treated for single-territory coronary disease (hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence intervals 0.69-3.02), but did in patients with multi-territory disease (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% confidence intervals 1.16-2.76). However, in diabetics with multi-territory disease who were completely revascularized with percutaneous coronary intervention, mortality was comparable to non-diabetics (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence intervals 0.57-3.03). CONCLUSION: Among percutaneous coronary intervention patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting, diabetes portends an adverse prognosis.     

冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像及冠脉造影对冠脉搭桥术后桥血管的评价

目的观察冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像及冠脉造影对冠脉搭桥手术后桥血管的评价作用。方法33例冠脉搭桥手术患者,术前常规冠脉造影检查,手术行不停跳冠脉搭桥术,手术后1 a行冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像,并于冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像复查后1周内行冠脉造影检查。结果33例患者共行冠脉搭桥101支,冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像能够成功显示99支,显示率为98.02%。冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像与冠脉造影结果对比,其对冠脉搭桥手术后桥血管狭窄和阻塞评价敏感度达100%。结论应用冠状动脉多层螺旋CT成像对冠脉搭桥术后桥血管评价简便、无创,具有较好的可信性和可行性。     

Percutaneous coronary interventions using a new 5 French guiding catheter: results of a prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the technical feasibility, the success rate, and the special complications of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) using a newly released 5 Fr guiding catheter with an inner diameter of 0.058". The study was performed in 150 consecutive patients subjected to coronary angioplasty. In 89% of the patients, the intervention was started with a 5 Fr catheter (JR4 or JL4); in 16 patients a 6 or 7 Fr catheter was used because of unstable clinical conditions according to the decision of the interventional cardiologist. In 12 out of 134 patients, the guiding catheter had to be changed during the intervention from 5 Fr to a 6 or 7 Fr catheter due to poor backup support. In 112 out of 118 patients, the intervention was successfully performed using a 5 Fr catheter (95%); in 12 out of 16 patients, after changing the guiding catheter, the overall success rate was 93%. In patients with type A and B lesions who were initially treated using a 5 Fr catheter, the procedural success rate was 100% (81 out of 81), whereas in patients with type C lesions the procedural success rate was 83% (43 out of 53; P = 0.000053, Fisher's exact test). Furthermore, in patients with a diameter stenosis < 90%, the procedural success rate was 100% (57 out of 57), whereas in patients with a diameter stenosis of 90%-100%, the procedural success rate was 87% (67 out of 77; P = 0.0050). Stent implantation was performed successfully in 24 patients (18%) using the 5 Fr guiding catheter. This study confirms that PCI was technically feasible using a 5 Fr guiding catheter in the majority of consecutive patients with a success rate of 95%. There were significant differences in the success rate depending on the lesion type and the diameter stenosis. Complications were very rare and were not related to the guiding catheter. Limitations of the 5 Fr guiding catheters arose mainly from a poor backup support in long lesions and severe stenosis. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:308-312. Copyright Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The use of multiple coronary guidewires to occupy secondary branch vessels and facilitate PCI of a complex aneurysmal stenosis.

Percutaneous revascularization of complex coronary stenosis is dependent on establishing suitable guidewire position in the vascular bed distal to the lesion. We report the use of multiple 0.0014' coronary guidewires to occupy unintended branch vessels and to facilitate PCI of a high-grade left circumflex obtuse marginal branch lesion with post-stenotic aneurysmal dilation of the vessel and multiple branch vessels. This technique enabled successful placement of a nitinol hydrophilic-coated wire into the distal vascular bed beyond the region of obstruction followed by placement of a drug-eluting stent with restoration of luminal dimensions and TIMI-3 angiographic flow.     

A systematic review of gender differences in mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions

Gender differences exist in outcomes, particularly early mortality, for percutaneous interventions (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Better understanding of this issue may target areas for improvement for all patients undergoing revascularization. Therefore, we summarized the evidence on gender differences in PCI and CABG outcomes, particularly early mortality, and mediators of this difference. Using the key terms "women" or "gender," "revascularization," "coronary artery bypass," "angioplasty," "stent," and "coronary intervention," we searched MEDLINE from 1985 to 2005 for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and registries reporting outcomes by gender. Bibliographies and the Web sites of cardiology conferences were also reviewed. The literature was examined to identify gender differences in outcomes and mediators of these differences. We identified 23 studies reporting outcomes by gender for CABG and 48 studies reporting outcomes by gender for PCI. The majority of studies noted greater in-hospital mortality in women than in men, with mortality differences resolving with longer follow-up. Early mortality differences were reduced but not consistently eliminated after adjustment for comorbidities, procedural characteristics, and body habitus. Power to detect gender differences after multivariate adjustment was limited by declining mortality rates and small sample size. Gender was an independent risk factor for complications after both CABG and PCI. Women experience greater complications and early mortality after revascularization. Future exploration is needed of gender differences in quality of care and benefit from combinations of stenting and antiplatelet, and anticoagulant medications in order to optimize treatment.     

Use of the venture wire control catheter for the treatment of coronary artery chronic total occlusions

Background : The Venture catheter (St Jude, Minneapolis, MN) has a deflectable tip for facilitating wire steering and a stiff body. Both properties can be useful in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Methods : We reviewed 26 consecutive patients in whom the Venture catheter was utilized during coronary CTO PCI at our institution between May 2008 and September 2009. Results : Mean age was 63 ± 9 years and 96% of the patients were men. The CTO target lesion was located in the right coronary artery (35%), left anterior descending artery (27%), circumflex (27%) or a saphenous vein graft (4%). A prior attempt for CTO PCI had been done in 19%. The primary CTO PCI approach was antegrade in 92% and retrograde in 8%, but a retrograde approach was used in an additional 27% of the patients after antegrade approach failed. The Venture catheter was used to overcome vessel tortuosity (73%), for CTOs with side branch at the occlusion site (15%), to facilitate collateral branch wiring during retrograde PCI (8%), and to provide extra support (4%). The overall CTO PCI success rate was 77% and was 92% in patients with upfront Venture catheter use and in 64% of patients in whom the Venture was used after PCI attempts using other equipment failed. Procedural failure was due to inability to cross the lesion in all cases. Conclusions : The Venture catheter can facilitate CTO PCI, especially in patients with marked coronary tortuosity or when additional support is required. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.