Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of native coronary arteries via saphenous vein grafts

We analyzed the immediate and long-term outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) of native coronary arteries via saphenous vein grafts (SVG) in 30 patients. The mean age of the grafts was 69 months. Angioplasty was successful in 27 (90%) patients. One patient died following emergency bypass surgery. There were no distal embolizations and one non-Q myocardial infarction. Follow-up angiography was performed in 12 patients, which revealed restenosis in three patients. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, cumulative survival was 93%. Freedom from myocardial infarction, repeat bypass surgery, and death was 80%. We conclude that PTCA of native coronary arteries via SVG is a safe alternative to repeat CABG in selected patients.