Percutaneous revascularization of diseased saphenous vein grafts is associated with increased risk of adverse events, although the use of distal protection mitigates this to a significant extent. However, anatomic characteristics may preclude the use of such devices in a proportion of vein grafts intended for percutaneous treatment. We reviewed our consecutive experience of saphenous vein graft interventions from 1 May 2001 through 30 April 2002 to determine suitability for distal protection. Relevant angiographic characteristics included lesion within 5 mm of the ostium; lesion < 20 mm from the distal anastomosis; planned distal landing site of the occlusion balloon < 3 mm or > 6 mm in diameter; total occlusion of the vein graft; or lesion in a sequential vein graft distal to the first anastomosis. One hundred twenty-seven patients (140 procedures, 147 vein grafts) were treated. One or more of the angiographic exclusion criteria for a balloon occlusion protection system existed in 57% of grafts, while 42% had exclusions for a filter device. A large number of patients with vein graft disease intended for percutaneous treatment have anatomic exclusions to available distal protection technology.
(c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.