title: Retrograde embolization during saphenous vein graft angioplasty.
abstract: Angioplasty of degenerated saphenous vein grafts is not infrequently complicated by distal embolization of atheromatous debris. We describe an uncommon case in which balloon angioplasty of an old vein graft to a second diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery was followed by distal embolization. However, the embolization occurred in a retrograde fashion distal to the anastomotic site, resulting in occlusion of the upstream first diagonal branch. The reasons for its occurrence are discussed, together with suggestions for its recognition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Koh
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000628:therapy*; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*