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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:18
Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
Published on: September 17, 2021
Diffuse coronary artery spasm treated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Chez Smith1, Enoch Akowuah, Sanjay Theodore
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. chez.smith@mh.org.au
Summary
Diffuse coronary vasospasm after bypass surgery is serious. Re-grafting and extracorporeal membranous oxygenation successfully restored cardiac function in a patient unsuitable for standard angiography treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Diffuse coronary vasospasm is a severe complication after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
- Standard treatment involves angiography and direct vasodilator injection, but this is not always feasible.
Observation:
- A patient developed diffuse coronary artery spasm post-CABG and could not undergo angiography.
- Diagnosis was suspected based on clinical presentation.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful re-grafting surgery.
- Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) was utilized to support cardiac function.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the efficacy of re-grafting and ECMO in managing refractory coronary vasospasm post-CABG when angiography is contraindicated.
- Highlights alternative strategies for critical cardiac emergencies.
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