Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Published on: September 15, 2023
Severe coronary ectasia and tortuosity--an unpleasant finding during percutaneous revascularization in acute coronary
Jana Ambrozic1, Darko Zorman, Marko Noc
1General Hospital Izola, Izola, Slovenia.
Insights
Percutaneous coronary revascularization is key for acute coronary syndrome. However, severe coronary ectasia and tortuosity can make this procedure challenging, as seen in two patients who could not undergo successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCR) is a vital treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- High success rates are generally expected with PCR interventions.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with ACS requiring intervention.
- Severe coronary ectasia and tortuosity were noted in their angiographic findings.
Findings:
- The difficult coronary anatomy precluded successful percutaneous recanalization of the culprit vessel in both cases.
- Unpredictable anatomical variations can significantly impact procedural outcomes.
Implications:
- This case report highlights the challenges posed by complex coronary anatomy during PCR for ACS.
- Consideration of alternative strategies may be necessary when faced with severe ectasia and tortuosity.
- Further research into managing complex coronary anatomy during interventional procedures is warranted.
Abstract:
Percutaneous coronary revascularization plays an important role in the management of acute coronary syndrome. Unpredictable angiographic findings of severe coronary ectasia and tortuosity may, however, compromise the otherwise high and predictable success rates of this intervention. We report on two patients with acute coronary syndrome in whom difficult anatomy precluded successful percutaneous recanalization of the culprit vessel.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Angina II: Classification
