Internal Mammary Graft Research Articles

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting: experience in 1500 patients.

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) is a minimally invasive approach to achieve surgical revascularization through a minimally invasive approach. Still, data regarding non-robotic TECAB are limited. This report presents the results of a TECAB technique using long-shafted instruments, defined as Endo-CABG, from a single-centre experience in 1500 consecutive patients. One thousand and five hundred patients underwent Endo-CABG between January 2016 and February 2023. Data were collected retrospectively, and patients were followed up for 1 year. The primary outcome of this study was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE)-free survival. Secondary efficacy outcomes were graft failure and mortality. Furthermore, we analysed factors influencing long-term freedom from MACCE and all-cause mortality. The mean age was 68 [61-75] years, of which 193 (12.87%) were octogenarians. Multivessel disease was present in 1409 (93.93%) patients, and the mean EuroSCORE II was 1.64 [1.09-2.92] %. All patients underwent full arterial revascularization with bilateral internal mammary grafting in 88.47%. Graft failure occurred in 1.80% of cases after 1 year (n = 27). Thirty-day mortality was 1.73% (n = 26), 1-year survival was 94.7% (95% CI: 93.5-95.9%; n = 26) and 1-year MACCE-free survival was 91.7% (95% CI: 90.2-93.2%). Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, arterial hypertension and urgency were significantly associated with 1-year MACCE-free survival. Endo-CABG appears to be a safe procedure, achieves surgical revascularization and provides good outcomes regarding graft failure and MACCE at 1 year, while age, left ventricular ejection fraction, arterial hypertension and urgency were associated with 1-year outcomes.

Incidence and healing times of postoperative sternal wound infections: a retrospective observational single-centre study

Objectives: Analyses of incidence and time required to heal sternal wound infections after heart surgery performed via a median sternotomy between 2020 and 2022. Results: Superficial wound infections (SWI) were five times more common (2.7%) than mediastinitis (0.5%) among 2693 patients. The median time between the operation and diagnosis of SWI was 26 (interquartile range [IQR] 15–33) days vs. 16 (IQR 9–25) days for mediastinitis (p = .12). Gram-negative bacteria caused 44% of the 85 infections. Sternal wound infection correlated to higher body mass index, female sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, use of internal mammary graft, and re-entry for postoperative bleeding. Eight of 59 patients (13.6%) with sternal wound infections had bilateral mammary grafts, compared to 102 of 1191 patients (8.6%) without wound infections (p = .28). Negative pressure wound therapy was always used to treat mediastinitis and applied in 63% of patients with SWI. Two of 13 patients with mediastinitis (15%) and none of 72 patients with SWI died within 90 days after the operation. The median time until the wound healed was 1.9 (IQR 1.3–3.7) months after SWI vs. 1.7 (IQR 1.3–5.3) months after mediastinitis (p = .63). Six patients (7%) required longer than one year to treat the infection. Conclusions: Postoperative sternal wound infections usually appeared several weeks after surgery and were associated with factors as high body mass index, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery bypass. SWI were more common than mediastinitis and often required negative pressure wound therapy and similar treatment time as mediastinitis.

Skeletonized Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Coronary Grafting in Obese Diabetics: A Single Center Experience of Deep Sternal Wound Infections

Gaudio, Sean C MS4; Ogawa, Mitsugu MD, PhD; Tsukui, Hiroyuki MD, PhD; Culig, Michael MD, FACS Author Information

Characteristics of Radial Artery Coronary Bypass Graft Failure and Outcomes Following Subsequent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BackgroundWhen patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), targeting the native vessel is preferred. Studies informing such recommendations are based predominantly on saphenous vein graft (SVG) PCI. There are few data regarding arterial graft intervention, particularly to a radial artery (RA) graft. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to report the characteristics of arterial graft stenoses and evaluate the feasibility of RA PCI. MethodsThis study included 2,780 consecutive patients with prior CABG undergoing PCI between 2005 and 2018 who were prospectively enrolled in the MIG (Melbourne Interventional Group) registry. Data were stratified by PCI target vessel. RA graft PCI was compared with both native vessel (native PCI) and SVG PCI. Internal mammary graft PCI data were reported. The primary outcome was 3-year mortality. ResultsOverall, 1,928 patients (69.4%) underwent native PCI, 716 (25.6%) SVG PCI, 86 (3.1%) RA PCI, and 50 (1.8%) internal mammary graft PCI. Compared with SVG PCI, the RA PCI cohort presented earlier after CABG, less frequently had acute coronary syndrome, and more commonly had ostial or distal anastomosis intervention (P < 0.005 for all). Compared with patients who underwent native PCI, those who underwent RA PCI were more likely to have diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (P < 0.001 for both) and to present with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P = 0.010). The RA PCI group had no perforations or in-hospital myocardial infarctions, though no significant difference was found in periprocedural outcomes compared with either native or SVG PCI. No differences were found between RA PCI and either native or SVG PCI in 30-day outcomes or 3-year mortality. ConclusionsPresenting and lesion characteristics differed between patients undergoing arterial compared with SVG PCI, implying a varied pathogenesis of graft stenosis. RA PCI appears feasible, safe, and where anatomically suitable, may be a viable alternative to native PCI.

Long-term survival of single versus bilateral internal mammary artery grafting in patients under 70.

OBJECTIVESAs definitive data from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect on long-term survival of using single internal mammary artery (SIMA) or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting are not yet available, observational studies allow for long-term follow-up in large and representative populations, which might complement the information potentially derived from randomized trials. To compare long-term survival in patients under 70 years of age undergoing SIMA or BIMA grafting.METHODSRetrospective analysis of 3384 consecutive patients under 70 years undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese level III Hospital. We identified 2176 and 1208 patients from the study population who underwent SIMA and BIMA grafting, respectively. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 10 years. We employed inverse probability weighting to restrict confounding by indication.RESULTSThe mean age of the study population was 59.4 (± 7.6) years, and 567 (16.8%) were females. Inverse probability weighting was effective in eliminating differences in all significant baseline characteristics. Follow-up was 99.88% complete. The median follow-up time was 12.82 (interquartile range, 9.65, 16.74) years: the primary end point of all-cause mortality at 10 years occurred in 463 patients (21.3%) and 166 (13.7%) in the SIMA and BIMA grafting groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.92; P = 0.004).CONCLUSIONSBilateral internal mammary grafting is associated with lower long-term mortality than single internal mammary grafting. Moreover, this survival benefit comes at no increased perioperative morbidity or mortality cost.

Use of papaverine in harvesting internal mammary graft in coronary artery bypass grafting: An update

AbstractThe left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft is the main arterial graft that is used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The spasm of LIMA is a complication that frequently occurs while harvesting the LIMA and may lead to morbidity and mortality in patients after CABG. Clinically, papaverine is the most frequently used vasodilator. In this review, we evaluated the administration of papaverine in IMA grafts during CABG. It was shown that administration of papaverine into the LIMA improves the blood flow and abolishes vasospasm of the LIMA. Moreover, the intraluminal and perivascular administrations of papaverine are more effective than topical administration. Higher concentrations of papaverine should be used with caution because it may lead to endothelial damage.

C-2 | Comparing the Peri-procedural and Long-term Outcome between Minimally Invasive Hybrid Coronary Revascularization versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta Analysis

Hybrid Coronary Revascularization (HCR) involves harvesting Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) and grafting it to Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD) with minimally invasive bypass surgery as well as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of non- LAD arteries. The study aims to assess if there are any benefits of HCR when compared to PCI for both LAD and non-LAD lesions.

Very large aortic pseudoaneurysm repair using a septal occluder

A 63-year-old man, with previous coronary artery bypass surgery presented with infectious aortitis and a large ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm, causing compression of the left internal mammary graft. Percutaneous intervention with stenting of the graft followed by closure of the pseudoaneurysm using an atrial septal defect occluder was successfully carried out.

Multiple Bridging: Recovery, Decision, Transplantation, Recovery

Introduction This case describes multiple forms of short term mechanical circulatory support (sMCS) used sequentially in the same patient, and illustrates the role of different clinical goals of sMCS. Case Report A 59 year old man with previous coronary artery bypass surgery attended with troponin positive acute coronary syndrome. After workup, he went for PCI to a native coronary chronic total occlusion using anterograde/retrograde wires. Unfortunately, the left internal mammary graft was dissected, and he suffered cardiac arrest. Day 0: Impella CP as bridge to recover y : During resuscitation an Impella CP was placed via his right femoral artery and resolved circulatory arrest. Further PCI was performed to the LIMA ostium with restoration of flow. He was transferred to ITU. Day 3: Peripheral VA-ECMO as bridge to decision: His clinical status improved, but he remained in shock. His support was upgraded to peripheral veno-arterial (VA) extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), leaving the Impella in place as an LV vent. Day 14: BIVAD as bridge to transplantation: He remained MCS-dependent, and had no absolute contraindications to advanced therapies. He went to theatre for implantation of bilateral short term ventricular assist devices (BI-VAD) to optimise his organ support prior to transplantation. He was placed on the super-urgent waiting list. He had intermittent ventricular fibrillation but continued to mobilise on the ITU. Day 48: Transplantation and bridge to recovery with central ECMO: After 34 days on BIVAD, he underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Due to vasoplegia and RV dysfunction, he was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass onto central ECMO. Day 50: Weaning support - percutaneous RVAD as bridge to recover y : There was persistent RV dysfunction. Central ECMO was exchanged for a Protek RVAD. Day 56: Explant of RVAD: His status continued to improve. The RVAD was weaned and explanted after 6 days. Day 73: Discharge home: He required intense physiotherapy. After 73 days in hospital he was discharged home. At the time of submission he is alive at 291 days post transplant. Summary This man's successful outcome was facilitated by judicious use of sMCS, on each occasion with a clear strategy in mind. Surgically implanted and percutaneous modes were used. Collaboration between cardiologists, intensivists and cardiac surgeons was essential to facilitate optimal care.

Bilateral internal mammary grafting: Are the advantages obvious?

Background. The use of one internal thoracic artery has long been considered a gold standard for coronary artery bypass grafting. However, despite the benefits, the frequency of using both internal mammary arteries remains low. The relationship between improving coronary artery bypass grafting results and the risk of complications after surgery using two internal thoracic arteries are yet to be resolved.Aim. We compared immediate and mid-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting using one and two mammary arteries.Methods. Two hundred and thirty-one (231) patients with coronary artery disease, after microscope-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery, were categorised into two groups: group I — patients had received one internal mammary artery during surgery (n = 177), and group II — patients had received two internal mammary arteries during surgery (n = 54). Propensity-score matching was applied to reduce differences between groups, therefore two groups of 50 patients were obtained after matching.Results. Operations with bilateral internal mammary grafting in comparison to single internal mammary grafting were associated with longer operating times (group I: 167.5 [150-190] min., group II: 205 [190–220] min., p &lt; 0.001) and increased aortic cross-clamp times (group I: 37.5 [32–45] min., group II: 44 [39–48] min., p = 0.012), but cardiopulmonary bypass duration was similar (group I: 65.5 [56–78] min. and group II: 69 [58–78] min., p = 0.95). No differences were observed for adverse event frequencies (i.e. death, myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accidents and repeated revascularisation) and sternal wound complications in the early- and long-term post-operation. The grafts patency in groups I and II before discharge was 98.0 vs. 92.5 % (p = 0.195) and 94.6 vs. 92.5 % (p = 0.582) for mammary and venous grafts, respectively. At follow-up time (29.5 ± 18.7 months), group I was associated with significantly improved actuarial overall survival (p = 0.021) and were composite survival free from cardiac-related mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularisation and stroke (p = 0.008). Complete revascularisation was associated with a reduced risk of major cardiac events (OR, 0.41; 95% CI: 0.20–0.85).Conclusion. Bilateral internal mammary artery coronary artery bypass grafting in comparison with single internal mammary grafting was associated with increased operation times, similar grafts patency, early and late outcomes, but no overall improved survival and composite freedom from major adverse cardiac events in the mid-term. Complete revascularisation may be considered an independent prognostic factor after coronary bypass surgery and may be more clinically relevant than both internal thoracic arteries. Received 29 April 2020. Revised 8 September 2020. Accepted 9 September 2020. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Propensity score analysis in patients with and without previous isolated coronary artery bypass grafting who require proximal aortic and arch surgery

ObjectiveThe risk posed by previous isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients who require proximal aortic or aortic arch surgery is unclear. We compared outcomes of ascending aortic and arch procedures in patients with and without previous CABG. MethodsUsing propensity scores, we created 2 matched groups of patients who underwent proximal aortic surgery, including total arch repairs, at our institution: 126 patients who underwent isolated CABG before the index operation and 126 without previous CABG. Forty-four percent of aortic operations were emergency procedures. Eighty-six patients had a patent previous left internal mammary graft. We compared outcomes between the 2 groups and calculated Kaplan–Meier survival curves. ResultsThe following outcomes were recorded for the patients with previous isolated CABG versus no CABG: operative mortality, 15.9% versus 11.1% (P = .3); 30-day mortality, 13.5% versus 7.1% (P = .1); persistent stroke, 6.3% versus 4.8% (P = .6); and renal failure necessitating hemodialysis at discharge, 7.9% versus 4.0% (P = .2). Previous CABG did not independently predict any adverse outcome, even though patients who underwent previous CABG more frequently needed intra-aortic balloon support (P < .01). The P value for the overall intergroup difference in long-term survival was .06. ConclusionsThis is one of the largest studies yet reported to examine the impact of previous isolated CABG on proximal aortic or arch surgery outcomes. Although these results may be specific to aortic centers of excellence, in this complicated patient cohort, previous isolated CABG did not independently predict any adverse outcome. These results could serve as a benchmark for assessing future endovascular therapies.

Wound complications and 30-day readmissions after single and bilateral internal mammary grafting: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

This study compares the postoperative outcomes, 30-day readmission rates, and incidence of sternal wound infection-related readmissions between patients receiving bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) and single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We utilized the weighted 2013-2014 National Readmission Database claims to identify all US adult patients who underwent CABG utilizing SIMA (n = 279,891) or BIMA (n = 11,651). Thirty-day overall and wound-related readmissions, in-hospital outcomes, costs, lengths of stay (LOS) at readmissions were compared between the two groups. Predictors of 30-day readmission were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. After propensity matching (n = 10,339 pairs), there were no significant differences between the two groups during the index hospitalization, except for higher total hospital costs in the BIMA group (p = .02). The incidence of wound infections was also comparable between BIMA and SIMA (1.1% vs. 1.2%; p = .50). At 30-days, the overall readmission rate was elevated in SIMA patients (9.5% vs. 8.8%; p < .01), primarily impacted by cardiovascular causes. While the proportion of 30-day readmissions due to infections was significantly higher among BIMA versus SIMA patients (20.4% vs. 15.9%; p < .01), wound infections during the index hospitalization did not predict all-cause 30-day readmission among BIMA patients (p = .24) in the risk-adjusted analysis. Among the readmitted patients, LOS (6.4 vs. 6.2 days), costs ($14,440 vs. $16,461), and in-hospital mortality (2.4% vs. 1.7%) were comparable between the two groups (all p > .05). BIMA grafting is not an independent predictor of all-cause 30-day readmissions. Cardiovascular causes remain the primary driver of 30-day readmissions among SIMA and BIMA patients after CABG.

Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Emergent Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Data on emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) are limited. We studied patients who underwent isolated CABG at Mayo Clinic between 1993 and 2019. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of emergent CABG were described in consecutive eras (1993 to 2000, 2001 to 2010, and 2011 to 2019). Cumulative survival was estimated by the Kaplan Meier method for the overall group, and stratified by the indication of surgery. In the 14,455 isolated CABG included, 427 (2.95%) were emergent. The number of emergent CABG decreased from 222 to 150 and 55 in the consecutive study eras. There was a temporal increase in the prevalence of heart failure, but no change in mean age, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, or atrial fibrillation. The proportion of patients with failed/complicated percutaneous coronary intervention decreased from 38.2% in 1993 to 2000 to 22.7% in 2001 to 2010 and 25.5% in 2011 to 2019 (p = 0.003). In 2011 to 2019, 100% of patient received an internal mammary graft compared with 75.6% in 1993 to 2000 (p < 0.001). Operative mortality was 8.7% overall (8.6% in 1993 to 2000, 10.0% in 2001 to 2010, and 5.5% in 2011 to 2019, p = 0.56). There were no differences in postoperative complications except for the incidence of renal failure and new dialysis which increased over time. Predicted 10-year survival was 57.0% and was not different according to CABG indication (p = 0.12). In conclusion, we documented a temporal decrease in the incidence of emergent CABG between 1993 and 2019, especially those performed due to complications of coronary interventions. Despite the higher prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction and the more complete revascularization in more recent years, in-hospital mortality did not increase.

Total arterial myocardial revascularization in octogenarians.

According to the current ESC/EACTS Myocardial Revascularization Guidelines, the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) should always be implanted to graft the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, but an additional arterial graft should be considered in appropriate patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) [1]. In spite of inconclusive 10-year results from the Arterial Revascularization Trial (ART) [2], observational studies underline the superior patency of arterial grafts [3]. Nevertheless, based on the data published by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), bilateral internal mammary grafts are implanted in as few as 5% of CABG cases, and the use of the radial artery (RA) has declined by approximately 33% within the last decade [4]. Grafting the LIMA to the LAD is considered a gold standard in surgical revascularization. With the use of LIMA, both short and long term survival are improved in all age groups, including octogenarians [5, 6]. However, comorbidities and limited life expectancy may potentially abolish the survival benefit from arterial revascularization in older patients. Data on arterial revascularization in octogenarians are sparse, and arterial revascularization trials omitted this age group, as the mean age of patients enrolled in the two most prominent trials (ART and RADIAL) was below 70 years old [2, 7].

Occluded mammary graft post-coronary bypass surgery: do we need to look for the second one? A case report.

BackgroundAnatomic variations of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) can influence coronary artery bypass surgical technique as well as posing definite difficulties in the interpretation of angiographic findings. We present an unusual anatomic variant of two LIMAs originating from the left subclavian artery discovered post-coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.Case summaryA 60-year-old man post-LIMA grafting of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Selective angiography revealed occluded LIMA; therefore, it was decided to proceed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the occluded native LAD. Once antegrade flow in the LAD was restored, retrograde filling of a vessel corresponding to the previously grafted LIMA was also detected. Additional contrast injection in the left subclavian artery (LSCA) showed a second patent LIMA originating from the distal segment of the LSCA.DiscussionThis patient has an unusual anatomic variant of two LIMAs originating from the LCSA. The proximal rudimentary LIMA was misinterpreted as an occluded arterial graft while the second, well-developed LIMA connected to the LAD had an unusually distal origin and had therefore been overlooked. This anatomical variant should be kept in mind when the internal mammary graft seems to be occluded.

Management of Paravalvular Leak After Rapid Deployment Edwards Intuity Elite Valve

A 74-year-old man with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, severe aortic stenosis, coronary artery disease status post-coronary artery bypass surgery with left internal mammary artery, vein graft, and aortic valve replacement with a Rapid Deployment Edwards 23-mm Intuity Elite

Surgical left subclavian artery revascularization for thoracic aortic stent grafting: a single-centre experience in 101 patients.

To evaluate the indications, perioperative strategy and postoperative outcome of surgical left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization combined with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) covering the LSA. Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 101 consecutive patients underwent surgical revascularization of the LSA prior to, concomitant or following TEVAR. Revascularization was performed through a small supraclavicular incision and consisted of a transposition or bypass graft, using intraoperative transcranial Doppler monitoring. Data regarding indication, procedural details and postoperative results were retrospectively analysed. In total, 63 subclavian-carotid bypass grafts and 38 subclavian-carotid transpositions were performed in the context of TEVAR. The majority was performed prior to stent grafting to reduce the risk of stroke (n = 50), spinal cord ischaemia (n = 20), left arm malperfusion (n = 10) or to preserve a patent left internal mammary artery coronary bypass graft (n = 2). Secondary revascularization was performed in 14 patients, 2 times immediately due to acute left arm malperfusion and 12 times to treat invalidating left arm claudication. No in-hospital mortality and permanent spinal cord ischaemia occurred. Two (2%) ischaemic strokes were observed in patients with concomitant procedures, and none when separate, staged procedures were performed. Additional complications observed were permanent peripheral nerve palsies (9%), chyle leakage requiring diet (6%) and 1 bypass occlusion requiring a redo procedure. In patients predominantly selected upon the anticipated risk of (posterior) stroke, spinal cord ischaemia and left arm malperfusion, surgical revascularization of the LSA proved to be a safe treatment option to preserve antegrade LSA flow in the context of TEVAR.

Decreased FENDRR and LincRNA-p21 expression in atherosclerotic plaque.

Objective:Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of mortality worldwide, particularly atherosclerosis. Recently, lncRNAs affecting atherosclerotic progression have been reported in vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and monocytes, suggesting that lncRNAs play an important role in atherosclerosis.Methods:In recent clinical studies, nowadays, it was determined that internal mammary bypass grafts are closest to ideal grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery. In this study, we used tissue samples taken from atherosclerotic coronary arteries and the internal mammary artery (IMA) during coronary artery bypass surgery. Using RT-PCR, we investigated the role of two lncRNAs, FENDRR and LincRNA-p21, by comparing their expression levels in coronary artery plaques and normal mammary arteries of 20 atherosclerotic patients.Results:We found that the FENDRR and LincRNA-p21 expressions decreased by approximately 2 and 7 fold in coronary artery plaques, respectively, compared with those in IMA, which is known to have no plaque development.Conclusion:This study was the first to use mammary artery tissues of the same patients as a control and to study FENDRR expression. Our data may provide helpful insights regarding the association of lncRNAs and atherosclerosis.

Late Survival of Left Internal Mammary Artery-Radial Artery-Y Graft Compared to Single Internal Mammary Artery and Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Bypass Surgery

Late Survival of Left Internal Mammary Artery-Radial Artery-Y Graft Compared to Single Internal Mammary Artery and Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Bypass Surgery

High-Output Cardiac Failure and Coronary Steal With an Arteriovenous Fistula

Creation of an arteriovenous access for hemodialysis can provoke a sequence of events that significantly affects cardiovascular hemodynamics. We present a 78-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and concomitant coronary artery disease previously requiring coronary artery bypass grafting including a left internal mammary graft to the left anterior descending artery, ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and severe aortic stenosis who developed hypotension unresponsiveto medical therapy after recent angioplasty of his ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula for high-grade outflow stenosis. This case highlights the long-term effects of dialysis access on the cardiovascular system, with special emphasis on complications such as high-output cardiac failure and coronary artery steal syndrome. Banding of the arteriovenous fistula provided symptomatic relief with a decrease in cardiac output. Avoidance of arteriovenous access creation on the ipsilateral upper extremity in patients with a left internal mammary artery bypass graft may prevent coronary artery steal syndrome.