Non-invasive assessment of graft patency using transcutaneous Doppler echocardiography for the validation of functional improvement after PTCA of theLAD 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 r elatively rare procedure. Our current study evaluates the flow velocity pat terns of the graft before and after PTCA. After intervention the mean diast olic 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 monitori ng long-term patency and PTCA-results of this vessel.