Arterialization of the coronary veins in diffuse coronary arteriosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Vascular Biology
• Ischemic Heart Disease

Background:

• Arteriosclerotic disease primarily affects coronary arteries, sparing veins and capillaries.
• Acute myocardial ischemia necessitates interventions to limit infarct size.
• Advanced coronary arteriosclerosis presents significant therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of experimental and clinical coronary vein arterialization.
• To assess the potential of internal mammary artery to coronary vein anastomosis for myocardial ischemia.
• To determine the clinical outcomes of total and selective coronary sinus arterialization.

Main Methods:

• Experimental and clinical studies involving total and selective coronary vein arterialization.
• Internal mammary artery to regional coronary vein anastomosis for acute myocardial ischemia.
• Performed selective arterialization of "Vena cordis magna" or "Vena cordis media" in 21 patients.
• Performed total arterialization of the coronary sinus.

Main Results:

• Clinical improvement observed in patients undergoing coronary vein arterialization.
• Follow-up studies indicate promising results for advanced diffuse heavy coronary arteriosclerosis.
• Regional vein arterialization demonstrated potential in minimizing infarction area during acute myocardial ischemia.

Conclusions:

• Coronary vein arterialization appears to be a promising therapeutic approach.
• The technique offers potential benefits for patients with severe coronary artery disease and acute myocardial ischemia.
• Further studies are warranted to fully establish the long-term efficacy and safety of this procedure.