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Elective single-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention in a vegetative state patient
Tomoyuki Watanabe1, Masaki Sugiyama, Takeshi Satoh
1Division of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Health Co-op, Watari Hospital, Watari, Fukushima, Japan. t-watana@fmc.u-coop.or.jp
Geriatrics & Gerontology International
|January 28, 2010
Summary
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) effectively treated severe chest pain in a patient with impaired consciousness. This minimally invasive procedure offered a practical solution for refractory angina when medications failed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Refractory angina in patients with impaired consciousness presents a significant treatment challenge.
- Maximum-dose pharmaceutical therapy was ineffective for this 73-year-old male in a persistent vegetative state.
Observation:
- The patient experienced unstable angina with multiple-vessel stenosis, leading to severe chest pain and vomiting.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was considered to alleviate symptoms with minimal invasion and risk.
Findings:
- Elective single-vessel PCI targeting the culprit artery was performed.
- Symptoms of chest pain and vomiting resolved immediately post-procedure.
- The patient remained free of angina for 12 months.
Implications:
- Single-vessel PCI is a practical and effective treatment for refractory angina in patients with impaired consciousness.
- This approach can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptom burden.
- Informed consent from family and multidisciplinary support are crucial for such interventions.
