Non-invasive assessment of graft patency using transcutaneous Doppler echocardiography for the validation of functional improvement after PTCA of the LAD via internal thoracic artery graft.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of a native coronary artery via internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft after bypass surgery is a relatively rare procedure. Our current study evaluates the flow velocity patterns of the graft before and after PTCA. After intervention the mean diastolic flow velocity increased under rest and stress conditions. In addition, the graft patency was proved not before control angiography after 6 months. It could be verified that the measurement of flow velocity patterns under rest and stress conditions is a useful non-invasive procedure for monitoring long-term patency and PTCA-results of this vessel.