Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Research Articles

Reconstruction of long left anterior descending coronary artery successive lesions with left internal mammary artery and saphenous vein graft angioplasty: Early encouraging results

BackgroundDiffusely diseased LAD with long stenotic segment or multiple successive lesions in patients indicated for CABG are commonly encountered in our practice nowadays. This is a surgically challenging situation which needs extra-ordinary anastomotic surgical strategies. MethodsBetween May 2011 and April 2014, 37 CABG patients received long anastomotic patch on LAD. In 28 patients a long LIMA layout patch was used (Group I). In 9 patients (Group II), a long piece of reversed SVG was used to reconstruct LAD with LIMA finally anastomosed to SVG used for reconstruction. 30-day post-operative mortality, post-operative myocardial infarction, post-operative need for re-opening, post-operative need for IABC and 1 year post-operative freedom from MACCE were assessed. ResultsLIMA long layout patch was the standard level of care in these cases. We used SVG patch only when LIMA had short length, a very long anastomosis up to distal quarter of the LAD is needed, or small caliber delicate LIMA. In those cases we used SVG to reconstruct LAD then LIMA was anastomosed to the SVG patch. There was 1 re-opening for bleeding (2.7%). There was no post-operative MI. 1 case needed IABC (2.7%) for frequent ventricular extra-systoles that did not respond well to amiodarone, arrhythmia disappeared on 2nd post-operative day. There was no 30-day post-operative mortality. In 1 year follow-up for MAACE only 1 patient (2.7%) showed unstable angina for which coronary catheterization showed occluded SVG anastomosis to a large OM with a de novo lesion distally and PTCA with stenting of the native coronary was done successfully. ConclusionLAD reconstruction with both techniques showed satisfactory results in those surgically challenging cases. In most of cases we utilized long LIMA patch layout as standard level of care using SVG patch with superimposed LIMA anastomoses for technically selected cases.

A prospective multicenter registry of laser therapy for degenerated saphenous vein graft stenosis: the COronary graft Results following Atherectomy with Laser (CORAL) trial

The primary aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of Excimer laser atherectomy as a primary treatment strategy in consecutively eligible patients presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of degenerated saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions using a multicenter registry. Prior single-center experience suggested that laser atherectomy may decrease acute procedural complications during treatment of degenerated SVGs, including lesions not amenable to distal protection devices (DPDs). The COronary graft Results following Atherectomy with Laser investigators enrolled 98 patients at 18 centers between June 23, 2003, and October 4, 2004, with greater than 50% stenosis of an SVG who presented for PCI due to angina pectoris or objective evidence of myocardial ischemia in a concordant myocardial distribution. Laser atherectomy was planned. Patients were excluded if the operator planned to utilize a DPD. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were aligned to those in the Saphenous vein graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized (SAFER) trial. The primary end point [30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE)] occurred in 18/98 (18.4%) patients driven primarily by non-q-wave myocardial infarction. Major procedural complications included no reflow (n=5) and major dissection (n=1). No perforations occurred. Univariate predictors of 30-day MACE included lesion length, vessel angulation, plaque burden, SVG degeneracy score, number of laser pulses used, and larger-sized laser catheters. This study demonstrated that Excimer laser atherectomy of diseased SVGs is feasible with results comparable to the 30-day MACE in the control population from the SAFER trial. Whether the addition of laser to embolic protection devices is of any clinical utility remains to be tested in future studies.

Long-term histological and immunohistochemical findings in human venous aorto-coronary bypass grafts

The aim of the present study was to analyse the long-term histology and immunohistochemistry of the plaque composition and cellular infiltration of SVGs (saphenous vein grafts) containing metallic stents. Percutaneous interventions in SVGs have a worse long-term clinical outcome compared with stenting of coronary arteries. Whether the pathological features of old degenerated SVGs condition the efficacy of drug-eluting stents is also unknown. Histology and immunohistochemistry of seven SVGs in the coronary circulation containing 12 metallic stents implanted 5 to 61 months before retrieval were analysed in patients undergoing a second aorto-coronary bypass surgery at a mean time of 11+/-6 years. The pathology of the old SVGs showed an important thrombotic and necrotic composition of the plaque, with plaque protrusion through the stent wires and a fragile media layer that could easily be damaged by stent placement with subsequent neointimal proliferation; indeed, stents with medial fracture had significantly greater mean neointimal thickness than those without (1.37+/-0.68 compared with 0.81+/-0.47 mm(2); P<0.02). Neointimal inflammatory cell density correlated with increased neointimal thickness in patent vessels (r(2)=0.43, P<0.001). Immunostaining showed the total absence of ERs (oestrogen receptors), a poor cellular proliferative state as indicated by the presence of the Ki-67 marker, and persistent inflammation close to the stent wires as revealed by KP-1 and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) immunostaining in most inflammatory cells in contact with the metal. These pathological findings may contribute to the more severe progression of disease and worse clinical outcome observed after conventional stented angioplasty of SVGs and might also interfere with the efficacy of drug-eluting stents in this specific atherosclerotic milieu.

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Distal Protection Improved Reperfusion and Reduced Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Who Had Angioscopically Defined Ruptured Plaque

Distal protection, in the Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli (SAFER) trial, is demonstrated to prevent distal embolism in the percutaneous coronary intervention of saphenous vein graft. However, in the Enhanced Myocardial Efficacy and Recovery by Aspiration of Liberated Debris (EMERALD) trial, it was not effective in the percutaneous coronary intervention of native coronary arteries in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We hypothesized that its effectiveness would be determined by lesion characteristics. Therefore, we classified the type of culprit lesion by angioscopy and examined its influence on the effectiveness of distal protection, comparing patients with AMI treated with and without distal protection. Consecutive patients with AMI treated without distal protection (n=110) from July 2000 to July 2002 and those treated with distal protection (n=81) from July 2002 to July 2004 were included. Patients in each group were subdivided according to whether or not they had angioscopically defined ruptured plaque at culprit lesion. Among those groups, incidence of no-reflow phenomenon, ST-segment resolution, myocardial blush grade, and left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months were compared. Aspirated samples by distal protection were semiquantitatively and histologically analyzed and compared between patients with and without ruptured plaque. No-reflow phenomenon was most frequently (P<0.05) observed in patients with ruptured plaque treated without distal protection. ST-segment resolution (68+/-15% versus 40+/-21%, P<0.001), myocardial blush grade (2.6+/-0.5 versus 1.8+/-0.3, P<0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (47.2+/-6.7% versus 41.0+/-9.7%, P<0.01) were improved by distal protection among patients with ruptured plaque but not among patients without ruptured plaque. Aspirated samples >1 mm were detected more frequently (97.3% versus 78.5%, P<0.05) in patients with ruptured plaque than those without ruptured plaque. Histologically, aspirated samples contained plaque debris (95.3% versus 31.1%, P<0.05) more frequently in patients with ruptured plaque than in those without ruptured plaque. Distal protection reduced microcirculation damage and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with AMI who had angioscopically defined ruptured plaque. Distal embolization of plaque debris was detected more frequently in patients with ruptured plaque. These results suggest that microcirculation damage and left ventricular dysfunction are increased mainly by distal embolization of plaque debris rather than of thrombus.

Periprocedural Cardiac Enzyme Elevation Predicts Adverse Outcomes

Extensive clinical investigation throughout the 1990s validated periprocedural myonecrosis as a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes, so it is surprising that this remains a contentious point. Originally derided as “enzyme leaks” or “myocardial infarctlets,” periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) has now been definitively linked in large data sets to long-term adverse outcomes, most notably mortality. It is not, however, always directly contributory or causative. For example, a large creatine kinase (CK) elevation caused by closure of a major side branch resulting in chest pain and development of new Q waves is obviously undesirable and causally related to the interventional procedure. Alternatively, even small, asymptomatic CK elevations have been clearly associated with worse long-term outcome, and although this may in part be causally related to the procedure, it is more likely that the relationship is caused by the underlying predisposing factors that led to the periprocedural MI, such as arterial inflammation predilecting to the occurrence of embolization or to a large degree of atheroma burden leading to more myonecrosis. Under these circumstances, it is likely that the heightened inflammatory state and the diffuse disease that is present are the real causative factors for worse long-term outcomes. Recently, aspirin resistance has been demonstrated to predict periprocedural myonecrosis. Thus, both through direct causation and also as an epiphenomenon, embolization and attendant periprocedural myonecrosis are associated with short, intermediate, and long-term adverse outcomes (Table 1). This review details this evolution in thought. View this table: TABLE 1. Mechanisms Behind Periprocedural Myonecrosis Periprocedural myonecrosis is a frequent occurrence in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CK or CK myocardial band (CK-MB) elevation occurs in ≈25% of patients undergoing PCI. With the advent of sensitive troponin measurements, it is clear that at least 50% of patients undergoing PCI have postprocedural troponin elevation, reflecting the frequency with which embolization occurs. However, troponin offers …

Proximal protection during saphenous vein graft angioplasty: The Kerberos embolic protection system

Percutaneous intervention in the setting of aortocoronary saphenous vein graft disease is associated with a significant risk of distal embolization. Devices intended to minimize the clinical impact of embolization have primarily utilized distally placed occlusive balloons or filters. Although such systems are often effective, distal protection does have limitations. We report a novel proximal embolic protection and rinsing system intended to overcome some of these limitations.

Determinants of 30-day adverse events following saphenous vein graft intervention with and without a distal occlusion embolic protection device

Distal balloon occlusion was approved as a means of embolic protection during saphenous vein graft intervention based on its ability to decrease major adverse clinical events (MACEs) by 42% in the 801-patient Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized (SAFER) trial. However, the cost and technical complexity of this device have limited its widespread use and prompted some to avoid its use in cases that appear at "low risk" for complications. If predictors of MACEs and their potential decrease by distal balloon occlusion could be identified, this would have important clinical implications in this challenging population. We therefore used standard demographic and angiographic variables and 2 new angiographic markers (extent of graft degeneration and estimated volume of plaque in the target lesion) to construct multivariable logistic regression models of 30-day of MACEs in the SAFER trial. Independent correlates of increased 30-day MACEs were more extensive vein graft degeneration (p = 0.0001) and bulkier lesions (larger estimated plaque volume, p = 0.0005). Use of a distal balloon occlusion device was independently predictive of lower 30-day rates of MACE (p = 0.01), with uniform benefit across risk strata (no significant interaction between device use and independent angiographic risk factors). Thus, the risk of 30-day MACEs after percutaneous intervention in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts is increased in more diffusely diseased grafts and in bulkier lesions, but a significant benefit of the GuardWire was seen across all levels of MACE risk rather than just those perceived to be at highest risk.

Cost-effectiveness of distal embolic protection for patients undergoing percutaneous intervention of saphenous vein bypass graftsResults from the SAFER trial

The goal of this research was to determine the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of embolic protection in patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization (PCI) of diseased saphenous vein bypass grafts (SVGs). Distal protection using the GuardWire balloon occlusion device has been shown to reduce major ischemic complications in patients undergoing SVG PCI, but the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. We prospectively measured medical resource utilization and cost for 801 patients undergoing SVG intervention who were randomized to distal protection using the GuardWire (n = 406) or conventional treatment (n = 395) in the Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized (SAFER) trial. Long-term survival and cost-effectiveness were projected based on observed 30-day outcomes and a validated survival model for postcoronary artery bypass graft patients. Compared with conventional treatment, distal protection increased initial procedural costs by ∼$1,600 ($6,326 vs. $4,779, p &lt; 0.001). However, by reducing ischemic complications, distal protection reduced mean length of stay by 0.4 days and other hospital costs by nearly $1,000 ($6,846 vs. $7,811, p = 0.018). As a result, overall initial hospital costs were only $582 per patient higher with distal protection. Based on the observed 30-day cost and outcome differences in the trial, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for distal protection was $3,718 per year of life saved and remained &lt;$40,000 per year of life saved in 97.3% of bootstrap simulations (95% confidence interval, $0 to $43,079). For patients undergoing PCI of diseased SVGs, distal protection using the GuardWire system is an attractive use of limited health care resources.

Cost-effectiveness of distal embolic protection for patients undergoing percutaneous intervention of saphenous vein bypass grafts: Results from the SAFER trial

The goal of this research was to determine the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of embolic protection in patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization (PCI) of diseased saphenous vein bypass grafts (SVGs). Distal protection using the GuardWire balloon occlusion device has been shown to reduce major ischemic complications in patients undergoing SVG PCI, but the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. We prospectively measured medical resource utilization and cost for 801 patients undergoing SVG intervention who were randomized to distal protection using the GuardWire (n = 406) or conventional treatment (n = 395) in the Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized (SAFER) trial. Long-term survival and cost-effectiveness were projected based on observed 30-day outcomes and a validated survival model for postcoronary artery bypass graft patients. Compared with conventional treatment, distal protection increased initial procedural costs by approximately $1,600 ($6,326 vs. $4,779, p < 0.001). However, by reducing ischemic complications, distal protection reduced mean length of stay by 0.4 days and other hospital costs by nearly $1,000 ($6,846 vs. $7,811, p = 0.018). As a result, overall initial hospital costs were only $582 per patient higher with distal protection. Based on the observed 30-day cost and outcome differences in the trial, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for distal protection was $3,718 per year of life saved and remained <$40,000 per year of life saved in 97.3% of bootstrap simulations (95% confidence interval, $0 to $43,079). For patients undergoing PCI of diseased SVGs, distal protection using the GuardWire system is an attractive use of limited health care resources.

Percutaneous intervention of a bifurcating saphenous vein graft with simultaneous dual‐limb filter wire protection

Distal embolization during saphenous vein graft angioplasty may result in myocardial infarction. The use of dual nonocclusive filter wire during angioplasty in a bifurcating saphenous vein graft is described.

Procedural results and distal embolization after saphenous vein graft stenting and angioplasty for in-stent restenosis of grafts.

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) angioplasty is associated with frequent periprocedural complications due to distal embolization and a high risk of restenosis. The purpose of this single-center, retrospective study was to determine the distal embolization incidences and outcomes of stenting for SVG lesions and percutaneous angioplasty for in-stent restenosis of these SVGs. We studied 48 consecutive patients (mean age, 62 +/- 7 years, 92% men) who had prior CABG and underwent stent deployment to SVG lesions detected at our institution over a period of 4 years. Mean lesion length was 12.4 +/- 3.2 mm. The minimal lumen diameter increased from 0.7 +/- 0.3 mm to 3.2 +/- 0.4 mm after stenting. Distal embolization as no reflow/slow flow phenomenon occurred in 5 (10%) patients. Angiographic success was achieved in 98% of the patients. Procedural success was achieved in 96% of the patients. No reflow/slow flow phenomenon was observed, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndrome. During the follow-up, 11 patients (23%) had angiographic evidence of restenosis. Lesions were treated with balloon angioplasty and the minimal lumen diameter increased from 2.6 +/- 1.1 mm to 3.1 +/- 0.3 mm. The angiographic and procedural success rates were both 100%. There were no cases of "no" reflow/slow flow. Restenosis was particularly frequent in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and acute coronary syndrome. Stent implantation in patients with de novo SVG lesions can be achieved with a high rate of angiographic and procedural success. The distal embolization risk is lower during angioplasty of in-stent restenosis lesions of SVGs compared to de novo SVG lesions.

Does the beneficial effect of distal protection in saphenous vein graft interventions vary with lesion length? A SAFER (Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized) substudy

Background: The SAFER trial demonstrated a dramatic reduction in Major Adverse Clinical Events (MACE: a composite of death, Ml or revascularfzation) acutely and at 30 days following saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous intervention (PCI) with the use of the Percusurge GuardWire TM distal protection device. This benefit was anributed to the prevention of distal migration of atherosclerotic debris with the device. Methods: We sought to evaluate if the reduction in MACE seen in the SAFER trial varied with the length of the treated lesion. We divided lesion lengths into quartiles and performed a stratified analysis to evaluate for effect modification by lesion length on the reduction in MACE with the GuardWireTM compared to patients treated with no distal protection. Rasutts: Of the 751 lesions treated, longer lesions were associated with a higher incidence of MACE in both the control group (p=O.Oll) and GuardWireTM group (p=O.OOl). As demonstrated in the table, use of the GuardWireTM was associated with a reduction in MACE in each quartile of lesion length. With multivariable modeling, shorter lesions showed a trend toward a greater relative reduction in MACE with use of the GuardWireTM (p=O.O97).

Effect of baseline thrombus in the SAFER (saphenous vein graft angioplasty free of emboli randomized) trial

Effect of baseline thrombus in the SAFER (saphenous vein graft angioplasty free of emboli randomized) trial

Late (> 48 hr) myocardial infarction after PTCA: clinical and angiographic characteristics of infarction related or not to the angioplasty site.

Since late myocardial infarctions after percutaneous coronary interventions have not been well characterized, we intended to evaluate the characteristics of myocardial infarctions occurring > 48 hr after balloon angioplasty of native coronary arteries or saphenous vein grafts. The Montreal Heart Institute database (1985-1996) was interrogated for all patients readmitted with a diagnosis of MI more than 48 hr after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). We compared the clinical, procedural, and angiographic variables between MIs related or not to the index PTCA site. One hundred and ninety-three patients presented with late myocardial infarction (MI) following balloon angioplasty. The median time elapsed between PTCA and MI was 55 days compared to 968 days when MI was unrelated to the PTCA site. MIs related to the PTCA site were more likely non-Q-wave (76% vs. 35%, P = 0.0001) with less marked CK-MB rise. Angiography showed less complex lesions (63% vs. 90%, P = 0.001) and better thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow (TIMI II to III, 66% vs. 56%, P = 0.01) when the culprit lesion was at the PTCA site. Independent predictors of MI at the PTCA site were vein graft dilation, female sex, and residual stenosis post-PTCA. Myocardial infarctions occurring late after PTCA have a distinct time course and present specific characteristics according to their relationship or not to the previously dilated site.

Incidence and risk factors predictive of unstable angina resulting from restenosis after percutaneous angioplasty of saphenous vein grafts

Background The current study was designed to determine the incidence and risk factors for unstable angina resulting from restenosis in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of saphenous vein graft (SVG), about which little data are available. Methods and Results A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 212 patients undergoing PTCA of SVG was performed. Procedural success was achieved in 200 patients (94.3%) who formed the study group. During a follow-up of 16.8 ± 10.2 months, 24.5% of patients presented with unstable angina resulting from restenosis. There was a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (81.6% vs 51.2%, P <.0002) and greater postprocedural residual stenosis (14.2% ± 12.6% vs 7.1% ± 11.0%, P =.007) in patients with unstable angina caused by restenosis compared with the remaining patient population. By multivariate analysis, dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64-8.39, P <.002) and to a lesser extent postprocedural residual stenosis (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, P <.05) were predictive of unstable angina resulting from restenosis. Among dyslipidemic patients, those not on lipid-lowering drugs during the index procedure had a significantly higher incidence of unstable angina caused by restenosis than did those on lipid-lowering drugs (P <.05). Conclusion Unstable angina caused by restenosis presents in as many as one fourth of patients undergoing PTCA of SVG. Dyslipidemia strongly, and to a lesser extent postprocedural residual stenosis, predicts its occurrence. Scrupulous attention to these modifiable risk factors may help reduce the incidence of unstable angina after SVG angioplasty. (Am Heart J 2000;140:827-33.)

Comparison of time course of target lesion revascularization following successful saphenous vein graft angioplasty versus successful native coronary angioplasty

We studied 1,267 patients with 2,186 saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions to determine the time course of target lesion revascularization (TLR) after successful SVG angioplasty. We found that the time course of TLR in SVG appears prolonged, with only 54% occurring within the first 6 months and continued TLR even after 1 year.

Creatine kinase-MB enzyme elevation following successful saphenous vein graft intervention is associated with late mortality.

Although the risk for development of creatine kinase (CK-MB) elevation after saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention is high, its prognostic significance remains unknown. This study evaluated the impact of periprocedural CK-MB elevation on late clinical events following successful SVG angioplasty. We studied 1056 consecutive patients with successful (defined by angiographic success and absence of major complications) intervention of 1693 SVG lesions. These patients were grouped as normal CK-MB (n=556), minor CK-MB rise (CK-MB 1 to 5 times normal, n=339), and major CK-MB rise (CK-MB >5 times normal, n=161). There were no differences in major clinical events at 30-day follow-up among the 3 groups. However, 1-year mortality was 4.8%, 6.5%, and 11. 7%, respectively, P<0.05 (ANOVA). Even within a population without any intraprocedure or in-hospital complications (n=727, 69% of the overall cohort), 1-year mortality remained significantly higher with CK-MB elevation: 2.4%, 5.5%, and 10.7%, respectively, P<0.05 (ANOVA). Multivariate analysis revealed major CK-MB elevation as the strongest independent predictor of late mortality (odds ratio 3.3, with 95% CI 1.7 to 6.2), followed by diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 2. 6, with 95% CI 1.5 to 4.5). Major CK-MB elevation occurs after 15% of otherwise successful SVG interventions and is associated with increased late mortality.

Restenosis, late vessel occlusion and left ventricular function six months after balloon angioplasty in diabetic patients

OBJECTIVESWe studied angiographic outcome and its predictors after traditional coronary balloon angioplasty in diabetics. We further examined whether changes in ejection fraction were influenced by the status of the dilated site(s) at follow-up.BACKGROUNDRecent studies have suggested that diabetics have a particularly poor outcome after balloon angioplasty. The reasons for this observation are not known.METHODSWe investigated procedural and six-month angiographic outcome, analyzed by quantitative coronary angiography, and left ventricular function in 485 consecutive diabetics (627 lesions) treated by balloon angioplasty without stent implantation.RESULTSThe procedure was successful in 455 (94%) patients; angiographic follow-up was available in 377 patients (83%). At follow-up, the rates of restenosis and total occlusion were 62% and 13%, respectively. Five independent predictors of restenosis were identified: the presence of organ damage, a saphenous vein graft (SVG) angioplasty, a bifurcation lesion, a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow <3 preprocedure and the degree of residual stenosis. Four independent predictors of vessel occlusion were identified: treatment with insulin, a SVG angioplasty, a TIMI flow <3 preprocedure and the degree of residual stenosis after angioplasty. Late vessel occlusion at angioplasty site(s) was observed in 15% of patients, ranging from 11% for a one-site procedure to 37% for a three-site procedure. This complication was associated with a decrease in ejection fraction at follow-up (−6.2 ± 9.9%, p = 0.0001), whereas no significant change was observed in patients without occlusion.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that late vessel occlusion is a frequent mode of restenosis in diabetic patients and is associated with a significant decrease in ejection fraction. This could partly explain the poor long-term clinical outcome reported in such patients after traditional balloon angioplasty.

Retrieval and analysis of particulate debris after saphenous vein graft intervention

OBJECTIVESThis study was designed to evaluate the composition and quantity of particulate debris resulting from vein graft intervention.BACKGROUNDDistal embolization and “no reflow” are frequent and important complications resulting from angioplasty of diseased saphenous vein grafts. Little is known about the composition and quantity of embolic particulate debris associated with vein graft intervention, and no intervention has been shown to protect against its clinical consequences.METHODSA catheter system, designed to contain, retrieve and protect against distal embolization of this material, was evaluated during 27 percutaneous interventional saphenous vein graft procedures. Clinical, angiographic and pathologic analyses were performed.RESULTSThe duration of distal graft occlusion required to allow intervention and subsequent debris removal was 150 ± 54 s, decreasing as experience was gained. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trial (TIMI) flow grade increased from 2.6 ± 0.8 to 3.0 ± 0.0. Creatine kinase (CK) rose above normal in three patients (11.1%) exceeding 3× normal in one (3.7%) resulting in the diagnosis of non-Q-myocardial infarction. Particulate material was identified following 21 of 23 procedures suitable for analysis. Particle size was 204 ± 57 μm in the major axis and 83 ± 22 μm in the minor axis. Particles consisted predominantly of soft acellular atheromatous material, such as that typically found under a fibrous cap. Semiquantitative analysis suggested that the quantity of particulate material was less following stenting than following balloon dilation.CONCLUSIONSParticulate matter is commonly present following routine angioplasty and stenting of saphenous vein grafts. Containment, retrieval and analysis of this particulate debris are all feasible. Comparison to prior clinical experience is limited by small sample size. However, to the extent that these particles may contribute to distal embolization, no-reflow and infarction, such a system may contribute to the reduction of complications following vein graft intervention.