Saphenous vein graft interventions: strategies and devices to minimize distal embolization
Gaglia, M.A.; Pichard, A.D.; Waksman, R.
Minerva Cardioangiologica 60(2): 157-166
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4725 PMID: 22495164 Document Number: 663555
Percutaneous coronary intervention of degenerated saphenous vein grafts remains relatively high risk when compared to native vessel interventions, despite advances in pharmacotherapy and embolic protection. This article discusses the phenomenon of distal embolization that seems to plague saphenous vein graft interventions, reviews device-based strategies for embolic protection, and offers a perspective on the utility of percutaneous saphenous vein graft intervention in both elective and acute settings.