Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Placement Aborted Because of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.

Left atrial appendage occlusion device (LAAO) implantation among patients who have had coronary artery bypass grafting can be challenging. We report a case of scheduled LAAO device implantation that was aborted due to the anomalous course of a bypass graft that appeared to be adherent to the left atrial appendage. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

A novel transit-time flow metric, diastolic resistance index, detects subcritical anastomotic stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) can detect critical anastomotic stenosis during coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the identification of subcritical stenosis remains challenging. We hypothesized that diastolic resistance index (DRI), a novel TTFM metric, is more effective in evaluating subcritical stenosis than the currently available TTFM metrics. DRI is used to measure changes in the diastolic versus systolic resistance of distal anastomosis. Methods: A total of 123 coronary bypass anastomoses in 35 patients were prospectively analyzed. During coronary artery bypass grafting, the mean graft flow (Qmean), pulsatility index, and diastolic filling were obtained. DRI was calculated using the intraoperative recordings of TTFM and arterial pressure. Postoperatively, stenosis of anastomoses was categorized into successful (<50%), subcritical (50%-74%), and critical (≥75%) via multidetector computed tomography scan. Results: In total, 93 (76%), 13 (10%), and 17 (14%) anastomoses were graded as successful, subcritical, and critical, respectively. DRI and diastolic filling could distinguish subcritical from successful anastomoses (P < .01 and < .01, respectively), whereas Qmean and pulsatility index could not (P = .12 and .39, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curves were established to evaluate the diagnostic ability for detecting ≥50% stenosis. In left anterior descending artery grafting (n = 55), DRI had the highest area under the curve (0.91), followed by diastolic filling (0.87), Qmean (0.74), and pulsatility index (0.65). Conclusions: DRI and diastolic filling had a reliable diagnostic ability for detecting ≥50% stenosis during coronary artery bypass grafting. In left anterior descending artery grafting, DRI had a more satisfactory detection capability than other TTFM metrics.

1-Year Patency of Biorestorative Polymeric Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts in an Ovine Model.

Many attempts have been made to inhibit or counteract saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure modes; however, only external support for SVGs has gained momentum in clinical utility. This study revealed the feasibility of implantation, and showed good patency out to 12 months of the novel biorestorative graft, in a challenging ovine coronary artery bypass graft model. This finding could trigger the first-in-man trial of using the novel material instead of SVG. We believe that, eventually, this novel biorestorative bypass graft can be one of the options for coronary artery bypass graft patients who have difficulty harvesting SVG.

A Case of Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease and Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery With a Malignant Course Presenting With Non-exertional Chest Discomfort and Brugada Phenocopy.

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are an uncommon cause of chest pain in the younger population. Misdiagnosis can be detrimental and lead to sudden cardiac deaths. We present a 62-year-old male with a past medical history significant for chest pain history with a workup in 2001 presumed to be non-cardiac in origin from bronchial asthma. He presented from a Micronesian Island for the evaluation of non-exertional chest discomfort. Further workup showed a Brugada type I pattern on ECG and ST wave depressions on anterolateral and inferior leads with associated AVR elevation on exercise stress testing. Further ischemic workup with coronary angiography revealed right dominant circulation with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), including mid-left anterior descending (LAD) artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) with the right to left collaterals, left circumflex, and right coronary artery (RCA) with the accompanied anomalous origin of RCA. The patient underwent surgical correction of the anomalous RCA and coronary artery bypass grafting for the multi-vessel CAD. CAAs are usually found incidentally during ischemic workups similar to this case. Patients with CAAs can be managed conservatively with caution regarding physical activity. However, high-risk patients will warrant surgical treatment to avoid sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of CAAs can be challenging and prone to misdiagnosis and maltreatment. It may be beneficial to pursue this in younger patients with ischemia-like symptoms. Further studies should be performed to identify the true incidence and guide medical practitioners regarding the risks, costs, and benefits of diagnosing and surgically treating CAAs in the general population.

Transvascular Balloon Occlusion: A Novel Bailout Strategy in Large Left Main Perforations.

Several complications have been reported in rotational atherectomy, and these complications are closely associated with cardiac tamponade, emergent surgery, and death. Here we describe a case of left main coronary artery, bullet-like perforation treated with a novel approach-transvascular balloon occlusion. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Graft flow evaluation with intraoperative transit-time flow measurement in off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: We aimed to compare transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) parameters for on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump (OPCAB) coronary artery bypass procedures. Methods: The database of the Registry for Quality AssESsmenT with Ultrasound Imaging and TTFM in Cardiac Bypass Surgery (REQUEST) study was retrospectively reviewed. Only single grafts were included (ie, no sequential or Y/T grafts). Primary end points were mean graft flow (MGF), pulsatility index (PI), diastolic fraction (DF), and backflow (BF). Unadjusted and propensity score-matching comparisons were performed. Results: Of 1016 patients in the REQUEST registry, 846 had at least 1 graft for which TTFM was performed. Of these, 512 patients (60.6%) underwent ONCAB and 334 (39.4%) OPCAB procedures. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) during measurements was higher in the OPCAB group. After propensity score-matching, 312 well balanced pairs were left. In these matched patients, MGF was higher for the ONCAB versus the OPCAB group (32 vs 28 mL/min, respectively, for all grafts [P < .001]; 30 vs 27 mL/min for arterial grafts [P = .002]; and 35 vs 31 mL/min for venous grafts [P = .006], respectively). PI was lower in the ONCAB group (2.1 vs 2.3, for all grafts; P < .001). Diastolic fraction was slightly lower in the ONCAB group (65% vs 67.5%; P < .001). The backflow was also lower in the ONCAB group (0.6 vs 1.3; P < .001) with trends similar to MGF and PI for venous and arterial grafts. There were 21 (3.3%) revisions in the OPCAB group and 14 (2.1%) in the ONCAB group (P = .198). Conclusions: ONCAB surgery was associated with higher MGF and lower PI values, especially in venous grafts. Different TTFM cutoff values for ONCAB versus OPCAB surgery might be considered.

Impact of the no-touch harvesting technique on the vessel diameter of saphenous vein grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: To explore the impact of the no-touch harvesting technique on the vessel diameter of saphenous vein grafts. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 166 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting using saphenous vein grafts. Saphenous vein grafts were harvested conventionally in 83 patients (conventional group) and using the no-touch technique in 83 patients (no-touch group). We analyzed graft patency and the vessel diameters of saphenous vein grafts in the pre- and postoperative states. The diameter mismatch between the saphenous vein grafts and the coronary artery at the anastomotic site was also measured; preoperative diameter was measured using ultrasound imaging, and the postoperative diameter was measured using electrocardiogram-gated enhanced computed tomography. Results: A total of 135 saphenous vein grafts (66 and 69 grafts in the conventional and no-touch groups, respectively) were evaluated for postoperative patency. Graft patency was equivalent in the 2 groups (conventional, 96.9% vs no-touch, 100%; P = .24). A detailed evaluation was performed in 109 saphenous vein grafts (52 and 57 grafts in the conventional and no-touch groups, respectively). Saphenous vein graft diameter was significantly distended in the conventional group (preoperative, 2.6 ± 0.7 mm vs postoperative, 3.4 ± 0.5 mm; P < .0001). However, saphenous vein graft diameter did not change in the no-touch group (preoperative, 2.9 ± 0.4 mm vs postoperative 2.8 ± 0.4 mm, P = .33). The diameter mismatch was significantly smaller in the no-touch group (conventional 1.4 ± 0.6 mm vs no-touch 1.0 ± 0.4 mm, P < .0001). Conclusions: The no-touch technique avoids the expansion of graft diameter and diameter mismatch between the saphenous vein grafts and coronary artery.

Dual Left Main Coronary Arteries With Ischemia and Coronary Steal.

A 59-year-old man had angina and an abnormal perfusion scan. Work-up revealed 2 left main coronary arteries: the anomalous artery originated from the right coronary cusp and took an aberrant interventricular septal course; the other artery was atretic. He underwent surgical unroofing, with resolution of symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Coronary Artery Perforation Resulting in a Loculated Extracardiac Hematoma: The Pressures to Intervene.

We describe the case of an 86-year-old man with an extensive cardiac history, including previous coronary artery bypass grafting, who experienced a delayed extracardiac hematoma, 350 mL in volume, after retrograde chronic total occlusion-percutaneous coronary intervention. The patient was successfully treated with resultant liquefaction of the hematoma. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery After Transradial Catheterization: Implementing 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Revascularization Guidelines Into Clinical Practice.

The 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI coronary artery disease revascularization guideline recommends radial artery (RA) access for coronary angiography and RA grafting over saphenous vein grafting in patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting. We present a case of a patient who underwent coronary angiography via both RAs and therefore could not receive RA bypass grafts. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Mid-Right Coronary Artery Spasm Diagnosed by an Ergometrine Provocation Test Through a Saphenous Vein Graft.

Although coronary artery spasm is a cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), demonstration of its possible cause in patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting remains challenging. We report a case of ACS that successfully provoked coronary artery spasm by pharmacological testing through a saphenous vein graft. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Percutaneous Closure of Iatrogenic Ascending Aortic Pseudoaneurysms Following Surgical Aortic Repair.

We present a case series of 4 iatrogenic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms that were all successfully repaired with a percutaneous approach. Pre-procedural imaging, device selection, and procedural techniques are described. With careful preparation and patient selection, catheter closure of iatrogenic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms can be performed reliably and safely. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Ventricular Fibrillation Due to Aortocoronary Vein Graft Spasm During Angiography: Case Report and Literature Review.

A 69-year-old man underwent coronary angiography 7 years after coronary artery bypass. Saphenous vein graft spasm was observed during contrast injection, resulting in ventricular fibrillation. Angiography 6 years later showed graft patency. Vein graft spasm after coronary artery bypass grafting is rarely described. Further investigation is needed regarding incidence, mechanism, and clinical outcomes. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Unusual Case of Giant Nonthrombosed Right Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm With Coronary Artery Fistula.

Coronary artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm are rare and mainly result from atherosclerosis. We present a successfully treated case of a giant right coronary artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm with a coronary artery fistula, which might have developed after cardiac surgery for a right ventricular tumor 35 years earlier. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Conduits' Biology Regulates the Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is the gold standard for coronary surgical revascularization. Retrospective, prospective, and meta-analysis studies looking into long-term outcomes of using different conduits have pointed to the superiority of arterial grafts over veins and have placed the internal mammary artery as the standard conduit of choice for CABG. The superiority of the internal mammary artery over other conduits could be attributable to its intrinsic characteristics; however, little is known regarding the features that render some conduits atherosclerosis-prone and others atherosclerosis-resistant. Here, an overview is provided of the available data on the most commonly used conduits in CABG (internal mammary artery, saphenous vein, radial artery, gastroepiploic artery), highlighting the differences in their cellular biology, mechanical, biochemical, and vasoconstrictive properties. This information should help in furthering our understanding of the clinical outcomes observed for each of these conduits.

Repeat Revascularization for Severe Recurrent Coronary Artery Disease in a Young Woman With Takayasu Arteritis.

A young woman with Takayasu arteritis presented with an acute coronary syndrome with ostial left main coronary artery stenosis. She underwent urgent coronary artery bypass surgery but developed recurrent symptoms 6 months later owing to graft failure. She was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with resolution of her symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Use of Lithotripsy in a Calcified Saphenous Vein Graft.

Percutaneous coronary interventions in saphenous vein grafts can pose a variety of challenges, such as severely calcified lesions. If these lesions are nondilatable, lithotripsy can arguably be a proper tool for lesion preparation. We present a case in which a nondilatable, calcified saphenous vein graft was successfully treated using Shockwave lithotripsy. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Functional Recovery of a Failed Radial Artery Graft After Progression of Native Coronary Stenosis.

Competitive flow from the native vessel can lead to coronary graft failure. However, restoration of graft patency can occasionally occur. We present the case of subtotal occlusion of a radial artery graft bypassing a lesion with moderate stenosis, with subsequent late functional recovery once the native vessel disease had progressed. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Supporting High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions With Mechanical Devices.

The use of mechanical circulatory support to maintain appropriate hemodynamics in high risk percutaneous coronary intervention cases is a new frontier. Treatment of cases that were once considered prohibitive may now be possible. Due to a paucity of data, guidelines offer no guidance about the use of mechanical circulatory support in such cases. This case, the first documented case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a vein graft supplying the entire coronary circulation, adds to the medical literature demonstrating a likely benefit in the use of mechanical support during high risk PCI in patients without shock. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Successful Conservative Treatment of a Large Infected Saphenous Graft Aneurysm: Usefulness of PET/CT.

We report a case of a 75-year-old man with a medical history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and a recent graft angioplasty, who presented to our emergency department with fever. An 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography demonstrated a saphenous graft infected aneurysm, which was successfully treated conservatively with antibiotic therapy. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).