Pharmacotherapy During Saphenous Vein Graft Intervention

Coronary revascularization using saphenous vein grafts is an important treatment modality for patients with severe coronary artery disease. Percutaneous intervention of these grafts is often the best option for patients who develop severe stenosis of the vein grafts. Use of adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors does not confer added benefit with ischemic endpoints as compared with heparin alone, but it increases the risk of bleeding. Bivalirudin used as the primary anticoagulant lowers the risk of bleeding. No-reflow frequently complicates vein graft interventions but can be treated with vasoactive agents such as calcium channel blockers, adenosine, and nitroprusside.