[Use of the autoperfusion catheter in acute coronary occlusion within the scope of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)].

The procedure of an autoperfusion catheterization after acute coronary occlusion by dissection during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is described. Multiple side holes proximal and distal to the dissection allow passive myocardial perfusion only by systemic blood pressure. In the case presented, the catheter immediately reestablished coronary blood flow and thereby produced resolution of symptoms and myocardial ischemia. This easy procedure made it possible to perform the subsequent coronary bypass operation as a controlled revascularization and it prevented myocardial necrosis.