Successful Treatment of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Bifurcation Lesion Using Minimum Contrast Volume with Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance

Abstract

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The limiting volume of contrast medium is safest and most reliable strategy for CIN prevention. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) serves as an attractive alternative imaging tool to angiography in many steps during PCI, thereby reducing the use of contrast agents. Here, we reported a case of successfully treated unprotected left main bifurcation lesion with heavily calcified and diffuse lesion under the IVUS-guided PCI using low volumes of contrast dye of total 12 cc in an elderly patient.

Keywords: Contrast-induced nephropathy; contrast media; intravascular ultrasound.