Percutaneous revascularization modalities in heart transplant recipients

Accelerated allograft vasculopathy significantly limits the survival of heart transplant recipients. The prevalence of allograft coronary artery disease is as high as 18% by 1 year and 50% by 5 years following heart transplant. Heart failure and sudden cardiac death are the two most common clinical presentations. In heart transplant recipients with severe, discrete focal allograft vascular disease, percutaneous balloon angioplasty is a viable palliative option. However, its application is limited by a significant restenosis rate and progression of allograft disease in nontreated segments. Diffuse disease with tapering of vessels may be approached by debulking devices. Emerging revascularization modalities for focal stenoses and some of the diffuse tapering vessels include coronary stents, rotational atherectomy, various wavelength lasers, and, to a lesser extent, directional atherectomy. Conceivably, stents will reduce restenosis rates related to focal, discrete plaques; yet it is unknown whether they will be efficacious in short- and long-term treatment of diffusely diseased segments affected by allograft disease. Accurate assessment of clinical outcomes and long-term evaluation is imperative prior to acceptance of these devices as fundamental interventional tools for treatment of allograft coronary artery disease.