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A recent advance in technology permits the creation of sutureless proximal aortic anastomosis during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This new tool has significant potential benefit by minimizing aortic manipulation with subsequent reduction in neuroembolization. Implantation of a nitinol-based proximal aortic connector (Symmetry) has a potential to elicit intimal hyperplastic reaction analogous to restenosis after coronary stent placement. We report cases of early vein graft stenosis in association with the use of the Symmetry device. Three patients suffered from severe ostial stenosis within 6 months of bypass surgery with symptomatic presentation. Of these three patients, two underwent successful percutaneous revascularization. Fluoroscopic star-shaped appearance of the metallic Symmetry allows device recognition during angiography. We review current data regarding graft patency with the use of Symmetry device and discuss technical issues to address specific problems during percutaneous revascularization., (Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Totally occluded saphenous vein grafts are difficult to treat percutaneously with a higher likelihood of distal embolization and slow-flow or no-reflow during percutaneous interventions. The PercuSurge system, which utilizes a distal balloon occlusive device, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes during saphenous vein graft (SVG) interventions. This device may not be optimal in the setting of heavy thrombus or debris burden, a situation frequently encountered in totally occluded SVGs. Rheolytic thrombectomy facilitates percutaneous interventions by effectively removing intraluminal thrombus and debris but lacks distal embolization protection. We report our experience with the synergistic use of balloon-based distal embolization protection (PercuSurge) and rheolytic thrombectomy (AngioJet) to optimize percutaneous revascularization of totally occluded SVGs., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Distal embolization protection devices are fast becoming an integral part of percutaneous vein graft interventions. The distal elastomeric balloon of the PercuSurge GuardWire system is supposed to be atraumatic to the vessel wall. We report the inadvertent dilation of a moderate distal stenosis at the site of GuardWire balloon inflation while intervening on a critical proximal saphenous vein graft stenosis. This case illustrates that plaque compression and potential vessel wall trauma might occur during the inflation of the PercuSurge GuardWire distal protection balloon., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)