Transluminal extraction catheter atherectomy in long saphenous vein grafts.
Lesions in distal coronary vasculature present unique problems for catheter-based interventions. We report two cases of attempted transluminal extraction catheter (TEC) atherectomy for very distal lesions in long circular saphenous vein grafts. One case succeeded with a simple modification of the TEC device; another failed because of excessive tortuosity in the proximal graft. This experience helps define the potential and limitations of TEC.
D000368:Aged; D017225:Atherectomy, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012501:Saphenous Vein