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Published on: September 15, 2023
Coronary artery and graft spasm after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Toshihiro Fukui1, Shuichiro Takanashi, Yasuyuki Hosoda
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shin-Tokyo Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Insights
Severe coronary artery spasm occurred in a patient after bypass surgery. Standard treatments failed, but observational measures resolved the spasm, allowing the patient
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure for severe coronary artery disease.
- Postoperative coronary artery spasm can lead to graft dysfunction and myocardial ischemia.
- Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) aims to reduce complications but can still be associated with vasospastic events.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male patient developed severe coronary artery and graft spasm following triple-vessel OPCAB.
- Emergent coronary angiography confirmed the vasospasm.
- Intracoronary vasodilators were ineffective in alleviating the spasm.
Findings:
- Observational management, including intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and inotropic agents, was initiated to enhance coronary perfusion.
- These supportive measures facilitated the resolution of the coronary spasm.
- The patient experienced a full recovery and was discharged.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe, refractory coronary artery and graft spasm after OPCAB.
- It underscores the importance of considering non-pharmacological, supportive interventions when standard vasodilator therapy fails.
- Successful management of such vasospastic events is crucial for favorable patient outcomes after coronary revascularization.
Abstract:
We report a case of a 52-year-old man with severe coronary artery and graft spasm after triple-vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Emergent coronary angiography was performed to identify the location and severity of the spasm. Intracoronary injections of several vasodilators failed to relieve the spasm. Observational treatments including intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropic drugs to increase coronary flow were performed until the spasm resolved. The patient recovered and was discharged. A follow-up coronary angiography revealed patent native coronary artery and bypass grafts without evidence of residual spasm.
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