Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
06:59

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Published on: August 26, 2025

145

Ventricular Fibrillation Due to Aortocoronary Vein Graft Spasm During Angiography: Case Report and Literature Review

Kelly Arps1, Jaidip Chakravartti1, Connie N Hess2

  • 1Duke University Medical Center, Division of Cardiology, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Saphenous vein graft spasm, a rare complication after coronary artery bypass grafting, can cause ventricular fibrillation. Further research is needed to understand its occurrence and effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure for treating coronary artery disease.
  • Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are frequently used conduits, but are prone to various complications.
  • Graft spasm is a potential, though infrequently reported, complication following CABG.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old male patient experienced saphenous vein graft spasm during coronary angiography, 7 years post-CABG.
  • The observed spasm during contrast injection led to a critical event of ventricular fibrillation.
  • Follow-up angiography 6 years later confirmed the patency of the vein graft.

Findings:

  • Saphenous vein graft spasm is a rare but significant finding in post-CABG patients.
  • The case highlights a potential link between vein graft spasm and life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
  • The long-term patency of the graft suggests spasm may be a transient phenomenon.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for increased awareness of vein graft spasm as a potential complication.
  • Further investigation into the incidence, underlying mechanisms, and clinical outcomes of SVG spasm is warranted.
  • Understanding these factors may lead to improved patient management and outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Keywords:
CABG, coronary artery bypass graftingLAD, left anterior descending arterySVG, saphenous vein graftcoronary angiographycoronary artery bypasspercutaneous coronary interventionventricular fibrillation

More Related Videos

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts07:56

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts

Published on: February 17, 2023

1.1K
Vein Interposition Model: A Suitable Model to Study Bypass Graft Patency07:22

Vein Interposition Model: A Suitable Model to Study Bypass Graft Patency

Published on: January 15, 2017

8.9K

Related Concept Videos

Vascular Spasm01:16

Vascular Spasm

The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last...
2.6K
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
55
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
92