Open AccessMechanical emergency recanalization of the left main coronary artery
Author(s) -
Sigwart U.,
Goy J.J.,
Finci L.,
Blanc M.,
Grbic M.,
Stumpe F.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960090510
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , cardiogenic shock , angioplasty , left coronary artery , artery , thrombolysis , occlusion , stenosis , asymptomatic , ischemia , balloon , myocardial infarction
Acute occlusion of the left main coronary artery is normally fatal. According to the literature, only a few cases have been treated by intracoronary thrombolysis; the prolonged period of ischemia, however, resulted in severe left ventricular dysfunction and numerous complications. Therefore, effort should be directed to recanalize the left main coronary artery within the shortest possible interval. We followed this approach in a case of acute occlusion of a subtotal stenosis of the left main coronary artery which could be mechanically reopened and dilated within a few minutes. The intervention resulted in immediate reversal of profound cardiogenic shock and complete restoration of normal left ventricular function. At hospital discharge, the patient was asymptomatic with a negative bicycle stress test. Immediate mechanical recanalization and angioplasty appear to be a feasible approach in life‐threatening coronary occlusion.