An analysis of deaths occurring in association with coronary arteriography

Iatrogenic Cardiovascular Disease Secondary to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures

The number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in cardiology continues to grow. These pro cedures are generally considered safe or of minimal risk to the patient. However, it is important to remember that significant complications may occur, and in each patient the risk: benefit ratio must be carefully weighed. In this review, the complications documented in the medical literature resulting from the use of cardiologic interventions and procedures are discussed. A thorough knowledge of these complications and their precipitat ing factors can help minimize the risk to the patient.

Complication rates of selective percutaneous transfemoral coronary arteriography. A review of 1094 consecutive examinations

A review is presented of 1094 selective coronary artery studies during a 3-year period in which 7001 coronary artery injections were performed using the percutaneous transfemoral artery approach as described by Judkins. A total of 24 serious complications occurred, including 11 ventricular fibrillations, 5 asystoles or severe bradycardias, 3 acute myocardial infarctions and 5 cerebral vascular accidents. There were 5 deaths, giving an overall mortality rate of 0.46%. Causes of individual complications are analyzed. The incidence of serious cardiac complications did not differ significantly from that reported in the literature with the Sones technique. The Judkins technique is a simple and reliable method for selective coronary arteriography. In our opinion, the incidence of complications can be kept at an acceptably low level by meticulous examination techniques.

Cerebral microemboli during left heart catheterization

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the rate of microemboli signals (MES) during left heart catheterization (LHC).

METHODS

A monitoring of both middle cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was performed to investigate cerebral microemboli during LHC. Seventy-two patients undergoing LHC and 29 patients with LHC followed by coronary intervention were studied.

RESULTS

During a standardized LHC (n = 52), 95 +/- 45 MES were detected of which 67.5% occurred during injection of contrast media or saline solution, 30% during movements of wire and catheter, and 2% during catheter manipulation. During coronary interventions only, rotablation (n = 2) was followed by a massive increase in MES. The use of injection fluids prepared with minor gas content reduced the MES rate by 67% (P <.05). All MES were clinically silent.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral microembolism is a current finding during LHC. The dependence of the MES rate during diagnostic LHC on the gas content of the injection fluids provides evidence that most of the MES are caused by microbubbles and not by solid emboli. The high rate of MES during coronary rotablation may be explained by the formation of cavitation bubbles. The clinical results of the MES during LHC appear to be benign.

Acute coronary artery occlusion likely due to thrombus occurring during coronary angiography: report of a case

Twenty-five years ago, fatalities due to acute thrombotic coronary occlusion occurring during coronary angiography were reported not infrequently, but are thought to have been eliminated by changes in technique and equipment. We present a case with documentation of a normal coronary arterial tree just before the time of an abrupt occlusion, which had the angiographic features of clot. The likely source of the thrombus was the arterial sheath. Measures for prevention of this complication are discussed.

Use of intra-aortic nitroglycerin in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitroglycerin (NTG) injected into the ascending aorta or left ventricle would safely and effectively lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Fifty bolus injections of 297 +/- 67 micrograms (mean +/- SD) NTG were given to patients with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of > or = 140 mm Hg (mean SBP 188 +/- 20.1 mm Hg). An average drop in systolic blood pressure of 36 +/- 16 mmHg (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure of 19 +/- 7 mm Hg (P < 0.001), and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 4.7 +/- 4 mm Hg (P = 0.001) was well tolerated in each patient. The mean time to response was 11 +/- 3 sec. Intra-aortic injection of NTG is a safe and effective means to treat hypertensive patients in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Thromboembolic phenomena in clinical angiography: role of materials and technique

Interactions between blood and iodinated contrast agents and syringes and catheters are discussed with regard to clot formation and thromboembolic phenomena in angiography. Syringe and catheter materials are, to varying extents, contact activators of coagulation, whereas contrast agents inhibit coagulation and platelet aggregation. Current understanding of these phenomena is surveyed, and the implications for clinical angiographic technique are discussed.

Contrast media for angiography: physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and biocompatibility

Contrast agents are used as diagnostic molecules for the visualization of the vascular system. Despite their rapid pharmacokinetic distribution, and their excretion within a few minutes, their injection is associated with clinical symptoms of relative bioincompatibility. Allergoid reactions and disturbances of the hemostatic system represent the main fields of biological investigations. Due to the extent of clinical and experimental works the ubiquitous interactions between these molecules and cellular and/or protein systems have emerged. The development of a new family of low osmolality ionic or non-ionic contrast molecules had decreased the incidence of minor reactions, but did not modify the frequency of severe accidents and even led to the emergence of new iatrogenic syndromes. Despite extensive laboratory investigations there are still no predictive criteria nor any specific therapeutic prevention of these allergoid reactions. The suggested future line of investigation concerns the physicochemical interaction of CM and targeted biological systems which may allow the analysis and predictivity of these interactions at the molecular level.

Significance of ventricular tachyarrhythmias complicating cardiac catheterization: a CASS Registry Study

Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are recognized complications of cardiac catheterization. Despite numerous reports documenting the frequency of these occurrences, their significance has not been systematically examined. Accordingly, the outcome of 108 patients who experienced either ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation during coronary angiography between 1975 and 1979 in the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) Registry were examined. There were 20,142 patients analyzed. Patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias had more objective evidence of left ventricular impairment, clinical heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmia recorded as a clinical symptom. The overall 5-year survival rates were 83% and 88% for patients with and without ventricular tachyarrhythmias, respectively (p = 0.07). When ventricular function, age, gender, angina, and previous myocardial infarction were added in a stepwise Cox survival analysis, the presence of arrhythmias was not significant (p = 0.66). At 5 years, 80% of the medically treated patients and 82% of the surgically treated patients remained alive (p = 0.95). The only statistically significant differences in the patients with ventricular arrhythmias who were treated medically or surgically were age (medically treated patients 52 +/- 10 years, surgical patients 57 +/- 9 years, p = 0.01) and number of diseased vessels (p less than 0.001). In a stepwise Cox survival analysis, functional impairment secondary to congestive heart failure was the only significant covariate to affect survival in the medical and surgical groups (p = 0.0001). Surgical therapy itself was not significant (p = 1.00). The incidence of sudden death during 5 years for patients with and without ventricular tachyarrhythmias during catheterization was 5% and 4%, respectively (p = 0.28).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Current complications of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization

Data from 2,883 cardiac catheterizations performed during an 18 month period (from July 1986 through December 1987) were analyzed to assess the current complication profile of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Procedures performed during the study period included 1,609 diagnostic catheterizations, 933 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties and 199 percutaneous balloon valvuloplasties. Overall, the mortality rate was 0.28% but ranged from 0.12% for diagnostic catheterizations to 0.3% for coronary angioplasty and 1.5% for balloon valvuloplasty. Emergency cardiac surgery was required in 12 angioplasty patients (1.2%). Cardiac perforation occurred in seven patients (0.2%), of whom six were undergoing valvuloplasty, and five (2.5% of valvuloplasty attempts) required emergency surgery for correction. Local vascular complications requiring operative repair occurred in 1.9% of patients overall, ranging from 1.6% for diagnostic catheterization to 1.5% for angioplasty and 7.5% for valvuloplasty. Although the complication rates for diagnostic catheterization compare favorably with those of previous multicenter registries, current overall complication rates are significantly higher because of the performance of therapeutic procedures with greater intrinsic risk and the inclusion of increasingly aged and acutely ill or unstable patients.

Risks and complications of clinical cardiac electrophysiologic studies: a prospective analysis of 1,000 consecutive patients

The complications of clinical cardiac electrophysiologic studies were prospectively evaluated in 1,000 consecutive patients studied in one laboratory with an unaltered protocol to better assess the risks of this procedure. There were 728 men and the mean age of the entire group was 58 years (range 16 to 84). Coronary artery disease was the most common type of heart disease (56%) and 200 patients had no identifiable organic heart disease. The indication for study was a ventricular tachyarrhythmia or cardiac arrest in 582 patients. Each patient underwent an initial (baseline) study and 444 patients underwent serial drug studies (2.7/patient). There was one death during these studies. Other major complications included arterial injury (0.4%), thrombophlebitis (0.6%), systemic arterial embolism (0.1%), pulmonary embolism (0.3%) and cardiac perforation (0.2%). Significant arrhythmic complications included catheter-induced permanent complete atrioventricular (AV) block in 1 patient, nonclinical atrial fibrillation that required therapy in 10 patients and severe proarrhythmic events in 12 (3%) of 397 patients undergoing drug studies for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Cardioversion was required for termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in 179 baseline studies (53% of patients with inducible arrhythmia), and in an additional 35 patients, cardioversion was required at least once during follow-up studies. Although clinical cardiac electrophysiologic studies are associated with complications, the risks are small and acceptable.

Thrombus formation in the ascending aorta: a complication of angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is recognized as an effective therapeutic procedure for nonsurgical relief of critical coronary stenosis. However, this procedure has the inherent traumatic risk of thromboembolic phenomenon in treated patients. This paper describes a hiterto unreported complication. In two patients a thrombus appeared in the ascending aorta during PTCA performed in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Mechanisms involved are postulated. It is emphasized that particular attention should be paid to the lateral view in dilatation to treat LAD lesion, especially if the procedure is prolonged.

The efficacy of ambulatory cardiac catheterization in the hospital and free-standing setting

The optimal site for performing cardiac catheterization depends upon complications of the procedure, access to care in the event of complications, costs, quality of the catheterization studies, access to the procedure, and patient satisfaction. Performing ambulatory cardiac catheterization at or adjacent to a hospital may assume equivalent access to emergent or urgent services, equivalent quality, and improved patient satisfaction at reduced cost for low-risk patients (stable coronary symptoms, no active congestive heart failure, no significant arrhythmias, and no significant comorbid factor--bleeding diathesis, renal insufficiency, uncontrolled systolic hypertension). However, moving an outpatient catheterization from the hospital site to a free-standing unit, physically remote from a hospital, may be associated with a reduction in access to emergency care and less standardized quality assurance.

Increased risk of severe protamine reactions in NPH insulin-dependent diabetics undergoing cardiac catheterization

Protamine is widely used for reversing systemic heparinization after cardiac catheterization. Although rare, major reactions to protamine that simulate anaphylaxis occasionally occur and have previously been associated only with an allergic reaction to fish. Because neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin includes protamine, it might be anticipated that NPH insulin-dependent diabetic patients would develop sensitivity to protamine. Of 866 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization over a 20 month period, 651 received protamine for reversal of heparinization. Of these, 8.5% (56/651) were diabetics and 2.3% (15/651) were NPH insulin-dependent diabetics. During this period seven patients were observed immediately after administration of protamine to have major adverse reactions that required the administration of catecholamines. One death ensued. Of the seven major reactions, four occurred in NPH insulin-dependent diabetics and one occurred in a patient with an allergy to fish. The incidence of major protamine reactions was 27% (4/15) in the NPH insulin-dependent diabetics vs 0.5% (3/636) in those with no history of NPH insulin use (p less than .001). This represents a 50-fold increased risk of a major reaction to protamine if the patient was receiving NPH insulin. Accordingly, we recommend that diabetics on NPH insulin and patients with allergies to fish undergo cardiac catheterization without the use of protamine or, when necessary, that protamine be administered cautiously in anticipation of a major adverse reaction.

Fatal atheromatous embolization during coronary angiography

Multiple fatal embolism following left heart catheterization is described in two patients. Postmortem examination showed friable atheromatous aortic plaques as the likely source of emboli that clinically involved the heart, peripheral blood vessels, brain, gastrointestinal system and solid organs. Histologic examination showed widespread arterial embolism by atheromatous material.

Acute coronary occlusion during coronary angiography in two cases. Treatment by transluminal disobliteration

Acute coronary obstruction occurred in two patients during coronary angiography. In one case the obstruction was in the left main coronary artery; in the other it was close to the origin of the left anterior descending artery. In both cases acute cardiac ischaemia ensued, with electromechanical dissociation and collapse, which was not reversible by resuscitation. Rapid disobliteration of the occluded coronary artery was done with a guide-wire pushed through the obstruction via the coronary catheter. The recanalisation was completed by an intracoronary perfusion of streptokinase in one case. In both cases recovery was rapid and spectacular. The occurrence of acute ischaemia during coronary angiography should suggest accidental coronary occlusion. If a thromboembolic origin is suspected, transluminal disobliteration should be attempted. It is simple and can reverse a dangerous condition.

Mortality related to cardiac catheterization and angiography

During a 14-month period, 75 deaths occurring in relation to 53,581 cardiac catheterizations were consecutively and prospectively reported to the Registry Committee of the Society for Cardiac Angiography. Three of the patients died several days after their catheterization from an unrelated cause and are excluded from this analysis. There were 21 patients (group I) who arrived at the laboratory in extremis and whose deaths were expected irrespective of the catheterization. Most of these patients suffered from recent myocardial infarctions and cardiogenic shock, or had complex congenital malformations. In 35 patients (group II), a cardiovascular complication occurring during the catheterization resulted in death. In 16 patients (group III) catheterization seemed uneventful, but death occurred suddenly 10 min to 10 h after the procedure. Of these 16 patients, eight had left main coronary artery obstruction greater than or equal to 90%, five had three-vessel disease all with 90% obstructions, one had 2-vessel disease both with 90% obstructions, and who had critical aortic stenosis. The 51 unexpected deaths (groups II and III) were considered to be causally related to the procedure, a mortality rate of 0.10%. Subsets with an increased mortality rate (M), were patients with: a) left main disease greater than 50% (M = 0.94%); b) ejection fraction less than 30% (M = 0.54%); c) NYHA class III or IV (m = 0.24%); d) age over 60 years (M = 0.23%); or e) three-vessel disease (M = 0.13%). In conclusion, catheterization related mortality occurs mostly in patients with far advanced cardiac disease. Nearly 1/3 of the unexpected deaths occurred suddenly after a seemingly uneventful procedure. Close monitoring after catheterization of patients with similar characteristics (left main disease greater than or equal to 90%, or three-vessel disease all greater than or equal to 90%) might disclose avenues for reducing mortality occurring after catheterization.

Severe thrombocytopenia as a result of contrast left ventricular angiography

A case report of a 29-year-old Hispanic male who developed an acute thrombocytopenic reaction immediately following a cardiac catheterization using Hypaque-M radiographic dye. Laboratory studies immediately post-catheterization revealed a platelet count of 11,000 with a subsequent further drop to a low of 4,000. A need for the prompt identification and possible causes of this unusual reaction are discussed. Recovery occurred following treatment with corticosteroids.

Complications of coronary angiography

The new Kifa catheter decreased the rte of complications related to the nature of the catheter, enabled the examination to be performed more safely and reduced the examination time compared with the Cook catheter. The Kifa catheter for the right coronary artery could also be used for a subsequent left ventriculography.

Inhibitory effect of Urografin 76 on platelet function and thrombus formation in vascular catheters

The effect of Urografin 76 on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in vascular catheter was studied. In vitro experiments revealed that ADP-, epinephrine-, and collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited by Urografin 76 in concentrations greater than 0.3, 1, and 5% respectively. Rabbits that received 10 ml of Urografin 76 demonstrated a transient decrease in platelet aggregation for at least 3 minutes. Urografin 76 was apparently more effective than saline in preventing blood clot formation.

Complication rate of power coronary angiography injection

From 1970 to 1975, 1,498 patients underwent coronary angiography at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center via the same injection technique utilizing a Viamonte Hobbs automatic volume injector. Most institutions now perform coronary angiography by hand injections of contrast medium, and automatic power injection angiography is reserved for ventriculograms. The Sones technique was used in 822 patients (55%) and the Judkins technique in 676 (45%). Saphenous vein grafts were studied in 12% or 180 cases. The amounts of contrast medium usually used were 4 cc for right coronary artery injection and 6 cc for left coronary artery and saphenous vein graft injections over 2 seconds. No acute coronary artery dissections, one coronary occlusion (0.067%), one death (0.067%) in a patient with greater than 90% left main coronary obstruction, and three (0.20%) acute myocardial infarctions occurred. We conclude that power injection is a safe technique for coronary angiography. This technique is easier to use, could improve the quality of coronary angiography, and may actually be safer than hand contrast medium injection.

Incidence of new pulmonary perfusion defects after routine cardiac catheterization

The incidence of pulmonary perfusion defects after routine cardiac catheterization was assessed in 57 patients by comparing ventilation-perfusion lung scans obtained before and 1 day after catheterization. Patients were prospectively randomized to two groups, one in which right heart catheterization was performed using an antecubital venous cutdown procedure and one in which the percutaneous femoral vein approach was used. Seven patients (12 percent) had new postcatheterization perfusion defects consistent with pulmonary emboli. These patients did not differ significantly from patients without new defects in clinical characteristics, duration of catheterization, hemodynamic variables or route of right heart catheterization. The data suggest that pulmonary embolism may be a more common complication of routine cardiac catheterization than previously appreciated.

Acute coronary occlusion with impending infarction as an angiographic complication relieved by a guide-wire recanalization

In a 45 year old male patient with a history of previous inferior myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris, coronary angiography revealed two-vessel disease: a 60-70% lesion in the middle third of the LAD, and a 90% lesion in the middle third of the very large RCA. There was only a small akinetic segment in the posterobasal region of the left ventricle. During angiography total occlusion of the RCA occurred followed the clinical and electrocardiographic signs of impending inferior reinfarction. Recanalization of the occluded vessel was accomplished by using a guide-wire, which was passed through a Sones catheter, placed in the RCA. The patient's symptoms subsided and the electrocardiographic signs of acute ischemia reverted within eight minutes. Aortocoronary bypass surgery with revascularization of the LAD and RCA was performed within 3 hours after recanalization. Postoperatively there was no evidence of major tissue loss by enzyme or electrocardiographic criteria. Control angiography, performed on the ninth day postoperatively, revealed the graft to the RCA to be widely patent. Left ventricular function was unchanged. It is concluded, that the combined approach of early transluminal recanalization of the acutely occluded RCA followed by successful construction of a graft to this vessel, has averted necrosis of a major portion of the left ventricle. However, general use of this technique does not seem advisable at the present time.

Thromboembolic complications in coronary angiography. Prevention with acetyl-salicylic acid

The effect of acetyl-salicylic acid to prevent thromboembolic complications in coronary angiography is reported. No significant difference in fatality rate between the period without and the period with acetyl-salicylic acid was found but significantly less cerebral emboli when acetyl-salicylic acid was given prophylactically.

Coronary arteriography by the percutaneous transfemoral technique in patients on intraaortic counterpulsation

Presented are the results of the use of the transfemoral approach for coronary arteriography, as a safe alternative to the brachial approach, in evaluating patients in cardiogenic shock. Five patients, each with an intraaortic balloon pump device in operation, were evaluated. No complications were encountered using the transfemoral approach.

Thrombogenic properties of arterial catheters: a scanning electron microscopic examination of the surface structure

We performed 300 consecutive coronary arteriographies with 2 different kinds of catheters: polyurethane catheters and polyethylene catheters. The thromboembolic complication rate for investigations with each type of catheters is compared to the surface structure as seen with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The complication rate was 21.4% for polyurethane catheters and 0.3% for polyethylene catheters. The inner surface of polyurethane catheters was irregular, while the inner surface of polyethylene catheters appeared smooth. The outer surface of polyurethane catheters was slight irregular, while the outer surface of polyethylene catheters was smooth. These results are compared to other investigations of the surface structure of coronary catheters and to reports on the thromboembolic complication rate at coronary arteriography. It is concluded that the 2 types of catheters have different thrombogenic properties and that the surface structure is of major importance for this difference.

Cardiac catheterization experience in hospitals without cardiovascular surgery programs

In order to study the cardiac catheterization experience in hospitals without cardiovascular surgery programs, data was collected from all 8 Washington "satellite" laboratories over a 5-year period. There were 5 deaths (0.13%) during the 3878 coronary arteriography procedures. Of the 5, 4 had severe left main coronary artery lesions. Of these patients, 2 died during the 24-hour follow-up period after an uncomplicated study. This mortality rate is remarkably good considering that the 5-year period includes the early experience of 7 laboratories. There were 7 myocardial infarctions (0.18%) and 6 strokes (0.15%). The average number of coronary arteriograms done per angiographer during 1976 was 65. The experience of the Washington State "satellite" cardiac catheterization laboratories proves that the immediate availability of cardiovascular surgery and large case loads per angiographer are not necessary in order to safely perform cardiac catheterization and coronary arteriographic studies. Additional studies should be undertaken to determine the appropriate distribution of cardiac diagnostic facilities.

Medical versus surgical treatment of stable angina pectoris: progress report of a large scale study

A large scale, prospective, randomized study of surgical v. medical management of disabling angina pectoris is being conducted as a cooperative study among thirteen Veterans Administration hospitals in the U.S.A. A total of 1015 patients have been entered into the study and follow-up data are currently being evaluated. Patient entry into the study was concluded in December 1974. Patient compliance has been acceptable with only 7% of patients not adhering to their randomization category. Thirty-day operative mortality (1972-1974) in 309 patients was 5-3%. The patient population exhibited a severe degree of coronary disease. There was ECG evidence of prior myocardial infarction in 40%. There were significant obstructive lesions in three major coronary arteries in 51% and significant lesions of the left main coronary artery in 11%. Medical and surgical treatment groups demonstrated no significant differences in objective descriptive characteristics. Mortality in the medical group at 1 year was 8%. Mortality was influenced by several factors including the number of vessels involved, left ventricular function and the presence of left main coronary artery disease. The lowest mortality occurred in patients with single vessel disease and normal LV function who had a 1-year mortality of 3%. Patients with 3-vessel disease and abnormal LV function exhibited a 14% 1-year mortality. Patients with disease of the left main coronary artery and poor LV function had a 1-year mortality of 37%. Analyses of the results of treatment modalities in sub-groups is currently being performed and will be reported in future publications.

Right coronary artery dissection. A complication of cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography

Four patients are described in whom right coronary artery dissection occurred during retrograde catheterization of the left ventricle or coronary arteries. In two patients, acute myocardial infarction occurred. The possible causes, radiographic features, and clinical implications of this infrequent complication are discussed.

Scanning electron microscopy of surface irregularities and thrombogenesis of polyurethane and polyethylene coronary catheters

Following routine coronary arteriography, surface irregularities and thrombogenesis of the inner and outer wall of six Ducor polyurethane and six RPX polyethylene coronary catheters were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Polyurethane catheters had rough and highly irregular external and internal surfaces. All catheters showed adherent thrombi on their external surface. The internal surface of three catheters showed evidence of thrombosis. Polyethylene differed from polyurethane in several respects. Although the external surface had an irregular and wavelike appearance, the internal surface was smooth and regular. Two polyethylene catheters showed thrombi on their external surface. The internal surface of one catheter showed single platelets in one area. These results confirm recent reports showing that internal and external surface irregularities play a major role in the initiation of thrombosis in and on intravascular catheters. They stress the need for high quality catheter materials with smooth and regular surfaces in the prevention of thromboembolic complications from coronary arteriography.

Determination of the origin of elevated plasma CPK after cardiac catheterization

Episodes of chest pain are not common in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The diagnostic implications of this symptom may be complicated by the occasional appearance of electrocardiographic changes mimicking those seen in acute myocardial infarction, and by the frequent elevation of conventionally measured serum enzymes. Exclusion of infarction is particularly important when coronary revascularization is contemplated. Since the MB CPK isoenzyme is relatively specific to myocardium, we assayed CPK isoenzymes in plasma samples from 184 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine whether CPK elevations accompanying catheterization can be distinguished from those associated with myocardial infarction. Samples were obtained every 2 hr for 24 hr, and CPK isoenzymes quantified by a kinetic fluorometric method. Total plasma CPK increased in all patients (mean peak 0.238 +/- 0.042 (SD) IU/ml) but MB CPK remained normal in 181 patients (less than 0.005 IU/ml). In three remaining patients, MB CPK was elevated and myocardial infarction was confirmed by 99mTc (SN) pyrophosphate scan. Twelve patients after catheterization, in whom no intramuscular premedication was given, exhibited only minimal elevation of total plasma CPK. In contrast, 100 control patients with acute myocardial infarction exhibited peak total CPK activity averaging 0.833 +/- 0.037 (SD), and MB CPK was elevated in all cases (0.078 +/- 0.027 (SD) IU/ml). Thus, CPK elevations after catheterization reflect release of enzyme from noncardiac sources rather than from injured myocardium. Furthermore, increased plasma MB CPK activity may be considered a reliable index of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Complication rate of coronary arteriography. A review of 5250 cases studied by a percutaneous femoral technique

Distressing rates of embolic complications from coronary arteriography performed by the percutaneous femoral approach have been reported since 1972. From 1970-1974, 5250 patients underwent coronary arteriography in our laboratory by the same percutaneous femoral technique with preformed polyethylene catheters and no systemic heparinization. Data were recorded during and for 24 hours postcatheterization. The annual mortality rate averaged 0.23% and remained relatively stable. Our incidence of embolic complications was very low. In patients with normal coronary arteries, no fatal or serious nonfatal complications occurred. Left main coronary artery disease was present in all cases of mortality and greater than or equal to 60% stenosis was shown in nine of 12 instances. Thus major risk was proportional to the severity of disease in the left coronary system. The use of more aggressive supportive measures in these high-risk cases appears essential to reduce the total complication rate from coronary arteriography significantly.

Percutaneous catheter emboli: sources and prevention

Percutaneous coronary arteriography has been associated with numerous reports of embolic complications. Efforts to minimize such complications have focused upon normal hemostatic functions and the possible preventative role of systemic heparin. In considering the source and prevention of catheter emboli it is useful to review the mechanisms by which particulate matter may be introduced into the aortic root and to recognize that foreign material unaffected by anticoagulation may constitute a significant source of emboli. A simple technical protocol described in this communication has been followed during 3,500 percutaneous transfemoral coronary arteriograms using the Judkins approach. During this experience no embolic complications have been observed.

Coronary occlusion during coronary angiography

Between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1974, 2981 patients underwent coronary arteriography. Twelve acute coronary dissections or embolizations occurred, an incidence of 0.4%. The incidences of acute occlusions for the Sones and Judkins techniques were 0.19% (4/2077 studies) and 0.88% (8/940), respectively. No instance of acute occlusion has occurred during the past 490 studies performed by the Judkins technique. Eight patients with right coronary artery dissections or circumflex emboli were treated medically. All survived, but in seven a myocardial infarction evolved. Four patients underwent emergency saphenous venous bypass grafting because of refractory ventricular fibrillation (two patients) or because large amounts of myocardium were thought jeopardized (two patients). All patients in this group had interruption of flow supplying the left anterior descending coronary artery. Despite surgical intervention in less than three hours in all patients, survivors all sustained transmural myocardial infarctions. Three patients survived surgery and were discharged home.

Serum CPK isoenzymes after cardiac catheterization

Exclusion of acute myocardial infarction preoperatively, particularly in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, is an important requirement for optimal results following coronary revascularization. Unfortunately, activity of conventionally measured serum enzymes (AST, LDH, total CPK) is frequently raised because of enzyme released from non-cardiac sources during the catheterization procedure. however, serum activity of the MB CPK isoenzyme, an isoenzyme found primarily in heart muscle, appears to be more specific. Accordingly, in the present study, total CPK and MB CPK activities were determined in serum samples from 53 patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization, immediately before study and serially for 24 hours afterwards. A comprehensive range of catheterization procedures included selective coronary arteriography in 39 patients by brachial (17) or femoral (22) artery approaches. Myocardial infarction was excluded by clinical and electrocardiographic criteria in all patients before and after the procedure. MB CPK isoenzyme activity was also measured in serum samples from 50 patients with actue myocardial infarction documented electrocardiographically, and in 20 controls admitted to hospital but without cardiovascular disease. In patients with acute myocardial infarction, both total CPK and MB CPK isoenzyme levels were significantly raised (0.78 +/- 0.087 and 0.086 +/- 0.037 IU/ml, respectively), exceeding the upper limit of normal in all cases. MB CPK activity remained within normal limits (less than 0.004 IU/ml) in all 20 subjects without cardiovascular disease. Peak total serum CPK activity exceeded control levels in all patients undergoing catheterization (0.260 +/- 0.033). However, in each case, MB CPK isoenzyme activity remained within normal limits (less than .004). Thus, in contrast to an increase of activity of conventionally used serum enzymes, increased MB CPK isoenzyme activity is a reliable indicator of myocardial infarction, even in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Main left coronary artery disease. Clinical experience from 1964-1974

Obstructive lesions of the main left coronary artery (LCA) were demonstrated angiographically in 73 patients, comprising 4.3% of the total population referred to us for diagnostic evaluation of chest pain. Although there were no specific historical or clinical features which could absolutely distinguish this subgroup from the larger population of coronary artery disease patients, 81% (34/42) of the double Master's exercise tests, in which the patient achieved a heart rate of at least 110 beats/min. demonstrated greater than or equal 2 mm R-ST segmental depression. Of the total group of 73, 32 were evaluated during the six-year period from 1964 to 1971 and a preliminary report made in 1972. The diagnosis in the remaining 41 patients was established in the 1/2 year period from 1971 to 1973. The initial 32 patients were seen before the significance of a main LCA lesion was appreciated. In this subgroup there were five deaths at the time of cardiac catheterization. However, in the more recent group improved recognition of patients with possible main LCA disease prior to catheterization has led to a much lower death rate related to diagnostic catheterization. Only one of the last 41 patients undergoing coronary angiography has died. Nineteen patients were managed medically. Of this group 17 were considered to be under the same risk of death as the surgical candidates. Their mortality rate, as high. The risk of hying was 43.6% after 24 months, 51.1% after 36 months, and 73.6% after 42 months of observation. Although the initial surgical experience, using internal mammary artery implants and saphenous venin bypass grafts, was associated with a high mortality, direct revascularization surgery over the last 2 1/2 years has been accomplished with a perioperative mortality of only 6.2%. All deaths in the group of 40 patients receiving elective revasularization with saphenous vein bypass grafts occurred in the first six months following surgery. The risk of dying was 12.5% after six months of observation and was unchanged for the remainder of the follow-up period. After 21 months the difference in survival between the two groups is statistically significant (P less than 0.05). The one late death among the surgical survivors occurred four months after the operative procedure and was related to noncardiovaxcular surgical complications. The surgical survivors have been followed for an average of 27 months. Thus revascularization surgery has improved the prognosis for patients with main LCA disease. We currently advise prompt evaluation for any patient suspected of having this type of obstruction and urgent idrect revascularization surgery if this lesion is demonstrated angiographically.

Selective coronary arteriography

A series of 414 selective coronary arteriographies in 322 patients has been done at Ullevål Hospital from May 1971 to Jan. 1974. Judkins technique was used in all cases. The indications for arteriography, the diagnoses as regards the coronary arteries, the therapeutic consequences,and the complications of selective coronary arteriography are described.

Resolution of an iatrogenic coronary artery thromboembolus

A patient with an iatrogenic coronary thromboemboulus, sustained during selective left coronary catheterization is presented. The embolus was identified by angiography and its complete resolution was documented in the same manner three months later. Despite chest pain and elevation of the cardiac enzymes, the electrocardiogram showed only nonspecific changes and the absence of macroscopically identifiable infarction was demonstrated at thoracotomy. Thromboembolization may be a more common cause of complication with the Judkins technique than generally realized but may be compatible with complete recovery and be avoided by special catheterization practices.

Percutaneous transfemoral coronary arteriography; prevention of morbid complication

During a six-year experience involving 3,089 selective coronary arteriograms (99 percent by the percutaneous transfemoral method), modifications of technique have reduced the incidence of morbid complications. Modifications have involved guidewire technique, systemic heparinization, attention to spontaneous catheter back-bleeding after guidewire removal, and caution in approaching sever main left coronary artery lesions.

Coronary arteriography: prevention of thromboembolic complications using a pressure-drip flushing technique

All selective coronary arteriographic examinations (1,833) performed in the authors' laboratory during a five-year period (1/1/70 to 12/31/74) were analyzed for mortality and total morbidity according to method used. During the first two years, the control period, the classic brachial artery cutdown (Sones) and percutaneous femoral artery puncture (Judkins) techniques were utilized. Mortality rate for the total 589 patients was 1.01%. This included a mortality of 0.26% (1/386) for the brachial arteriotomy method, and 2.5% (5/203) for the percutaneous femoral puncture approach. After introduction of the pressure-drip flushing technique, the subsequent three-year mortality rate for a total of 1,244 patients was 0.16%. This included an incidence of 0.17% (1/585) for brachial arteriotomy and 0.15% (1/659) for modified percutaneous puncture techniques. The morbidity incidence during the initial two-year period was 3.0% (18/589). This included an incidence of 2.0% for brachial arteriotomy and 5.0% for percutaneous puncture techniques. After institution of the new pressure-drip flushing technique the total incidence fell to 1.2% equally divided between arteriotomy and percutaneous techniques. Modification of the classic percutaneous femoral artery puncture techniques has resulted in major reduction of mortality and morbidity complications which are chiefly thromboembolic in nature. It has not significantly influenced local thrombotic complications of arteriotomy.