Coronary stenting for iatrogenic stenosis of the left main coronary artery post-aortic valve replacement: an alternative treatment?

Iatrogenic coronary ostial stenosis after aortic valve replacement is a rare, life-threatening complication, which may follow implantation of either a mechanical or a biological prosthesis. Historically, this condition has been treated by urgent coronary bypass surgery but is associated with high morbidity and mortality, due to the hazards of early repeat sternotomy. We report a case of iatrogenic coronary ostial stenosis successfully treated with stenting and discuss the advantages of percutaneous intervention over coronary bypass surgery.