Beta brachytherapy of an old degenerated saphenous vein graft with occlusive in-stent restenosis
Ortolani, P.; Marzocchi, A.; Gaiba, W.; Neri, S.; Marrozzini, C.; Palmerini, T.; Aquilina, M.; Branzi, A.
Italian Heart Journal Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology 4(9): 646-650
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1129-471X PMID: 14635385 Document Number: 558118
We report a case of obstructive in-stent restenosis in a diffusely diseased saphenous vein graft complicated by a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. With tirofiban infusion, the extensively occluded saphenous bypass was reperfused, establishing a TIMI flow 3, and then entirely irradiated with a beta source (32P) without any complication. At 7 months the patient was asymptomatic and the control angiogram did not reveal any restenosis. In conclusion, 32P beta brachytherapy may be extremely effective not only in case of native vessel in-stent restenosis but also in cases of high-risk vein graft in-stent restenosis.