Percutaneous coronary intervention of vein grafts, stenosis and thrombosis

Introduction: Vein graft stenosis results from intimal hyperplasia, mostly within the first year, followed by atherosclerotic plaque build-up and graft remodeling in next years. As a result of these processes, patients have repeat angina symptoms and new ischemic events after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using vein grafts (VG). Two review articles (with over 12.000 patients) noted that only about 80 percent of VGs remain patent five years after CABG surgery, 60 percent at 7 to 10 years, and 50 percent at 15 years.) Antiplatelets therapy (clopidogrel and aspirin) and statin use are very important as a secondary preventive interventions. Of course, avoidance of smoking and the control of blood glucose in patients with diabetes are recommended in all these patients. Case report: 53-years old patient was admitted in February 2013 with stable angina pectoris. 1997. has had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the inferior wall, in the same year CABG x 4 was performed. Than, after the STEMI of inferoposterior wall, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of VG on the RCA was performed (January 2011). In the September 2012 coronary stent was implanted at the join of VG and RCA because of inferior STEMI. Because of 70% stenosis on the left main artery in the December 2012, elective PCI was performed.