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Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Murine Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Coronary Artery Ligation: An Improved and Simplified Model for Myocardial Infarction
Published on: April 2, 2017
Coronary artery dissection--a case report
H C Fronc1, R M MacMillan, D Kimbiris
1Department of Medicine, Likoff Cardiovascular Institute Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can cause heart attacks. Emergency bypass surgery with an intra-aortic balloon may be life-saving in select cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Coronary artery dissection, spontaneous or iatrogenic, presents significant risks.
- Myocardial infarction and mortality are known complications.
Observation:
- A middle-aged woman experienced spontaneous right coronary artery dissection leading to inferior wall myocardial infarction.
- Left coronary artery dissection occurred during coronary arteriography in the same patient.
Findings:
- The case highlights the dual occurrence of spontaneous and catheter-induced coronary artery dissection.
- Successful management strategies are crucial for patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Emergency aortocoronary bypass surgery is recommended for acute, evolving dissections with favorable anatomy.
- Intra-aortic balloon pump insertion prior to surgery may limit infarct size and improve survival.
- This approach offers a potential strategy to avert loss of life in critical coronary events.
Abstract:
Coronary artery dissection, both spontaneous and catheter-induced, is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of a middle-aged woman with spontaneous right coronary artery dissection causing inferior wall myocardial infarction and left coronary artery dissection at the time of coronary arteriography. It is suggested that emergency aortocoronary bypass surgery be performed preceded by insertion of an intra-aortic balloon in acute evolving cases where coronary anatomy is favorable to limit infarction and avert loss of life.
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Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

