Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Successful thrombectomy for coronary embolism likely due to floating aortic plaque in ascending aorta
Daisuke Nakamura1, Nobuhiko Makino, Yasuyuki Egami
1Division of Cardiology, Osaka Rosai Hospital, 1179-3, Nagasone-cho, Sakai, Osaka, 591-8025, Japan.
Insights
A 70-year-old man
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction necessitates prompt intervention.
- Coronary artery embolism is a critical complication.
- Aortic plaque is a known risk factor for systemic embolism.
Observation:
- Aspiration thrombectomy yielded calcified atherosclerotic plaque, not thrombus.
- Transesophageal echocardiography revealed mobile aortic plaque and moderate aortic regurgitation.
- Histological analysis confirmed severe calcified plaque without thrombotic elements.
Findings:
- The retrieved material was identified as calcified atherosclerotic plaque.
- Coronary embolism was likely caused by embolized aortic plaque fragments.
- Aortic regurgitation may have facilitated plaque detachment and transport.
Implications:
- This case highlights aortic plaque as a potential source of coronary embolism.
- Understanding aortic plaque mobility is crucial for managing coronary events.
- Further research into aortic plaque characteristics and embolism risk is warranted.
Abstract:
A 70-year-old man with chest pain underwent coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. We immediately performed coronary thrombectomy with aspiration catheter and collected solid material as a result. After aspiration, we achieved thrombolysis in myocardial infarction trial (TIMI)-flow grade 3 without stenosis. Transesophageal echocardiography showed no intracardiac thrombus but pronounced mobile aortic plaque in ascending aorta. Transthoracic echocardiography showed moderate aortic regurgitation. A histological examination of retrieved material revealed severe calcified atherosclerotic plaque without thrombotic components. Thereby, coronary embolism in this case may have been caused by embolism of flaked aortic plaque, which was possibly carried by aortic regurgitation flow.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
