Autopsy findings after coronary rotational atherectomy

Am J Cardiovasc Pathol. 1990;3(4):301-4.

Abstract

We describe the findings at autopsy in a patient who underwent Rotablator atherectomy of the right coronary artery. During the procedure, the artery became occluded. Despite attempts to reopen the vessel with balloon angioplasty and emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, the patient developed irreversible cardiac failure and expired 2 days after the Rotablator procedure. At autopsy, the right coronary artery was found to be occluded by thrombus. No evidence of dissection or perforation of the vessel wall was seen. Small intramyocardial arteries and arterioles, downstream from the treated vessel, were embolized by pulverized atheroma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / adverse effects*
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / instrumentation
  • Autopsy
  • Coronary Artery Bypass
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / etiology
  • Coronary Thrombosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology