title: Manual aspiration of iatrogenic embolization through a left internal mammary artery graft.
abstract: Embolization during diagnostic catheterization is rare. When it occurs, angiographers need to recognize and treat it immediately. Mechanical removal of the embolized material may help restore flow promptly and salvage myocardium. We describe two cases of iatrogenic embolization into the internal mammary artery grafts resulting in left anterior descending artery occlusion, and describe how prompt intervention by catheter aspiration prevented anterior myocardial infarction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Geisinger Health System, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, USA. arunksundaram@gmail.com
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kalyanasundaram
authors.forename: Thomas D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Blankenship
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D004617:Embolism / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D008323:Mammary Arteries; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D058017:Vascular Grafting / Q000009:adverse effects*