title: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in diffuse subtotally occluded vein grafts.
abstract: In this brief case report, we describe the results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in two diffusely diseased, atretic saphenous vein grafts 18 and 72 months after surgery. At late follow-up, both patients remain angina-free. Although the diffuse nature of such lesions may be associated with increased rates of restenosis, these preliminary observations support future efforts to dilate similar, chronically diseased saphenous vein grafts.
authors.affiliation: Mid America Heart Institute, St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Shimshak
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Hartzler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D013997:Time Factors