Recanalization of Coronary Artery Occlusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction by Use of Brushing Wire—Case Reports

A new coronary intervention using a brushing wire was performed in 11 patients at emergency. All patients were found to have a total obstruction in a coronary artery or a coronary bypass graft. In all patients, thrombolytic ther apy had been performed, without achieving coronary recanalization. Infarct- related arteries on which this technique was used were the left descending artery in 8 patients, right coronary artery in 2 patients, and a bypass graft in 1 patient. The mean ischemic time was 4.18 ±2.59 hours. Coronary recanalization was obtained in all patients (100%). The residual diameter stenosis was less than 50% in 3 patients, between 50% and 95% in 5 patients, and more than 95% in 3 patients. Preserved left ventricular ejection function was 57.0±12.8%. Ventricular fibrillation occurred in 2 cases owing to thrombolytic therapy. Additional intervention was performed with percuta neous transluminal angioplasty in 3 patients and with coronary artery bypass grafting in 7 patients. One patient underwent CABG following PTCA. Addi tional intervention was not required in 2 patients.