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Advances in Interventional Cardiology

Trans-Coronary-Venous Interventions

Tomasz Siminiak, MD, PhD, FESC, FACC, FSCAI and Janusz Lipiecki, MD, PhD, FESC, FSCAI

From the Department of Cardiology, Poznan Medical University (T.S.), Cardiac and Rehabilitation Hospital Kowanówko, Poland; and University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand (J.L.), France.

Correspondence to Tomasz Siminiak, MD, PhD, FESC, FACC, FSCAI, Department of Cardiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Cardiac and Rehabilitation Hospital Kowanowko, ul. Sanatoryjna 34, 64-600 Kowanówko k/Obornik Wlkp., Poland. E-mail tomasz.siminiak{at}usoms.poznan.pl

The coronary venous system is routinely targeted during electrophysiological measurements or cardiac resynchronization therapy. However, several novel interventional techniques require coronary venous catheterization and visualization as well as transvenous delivery of devices and/or therapeutic agents. Recent reports suggest the possibility of a transvenous approach for the interventional treatment of refractory angina and mitral valve regurgitation. In addition, the coronary venous system has been used as a route for the delivery of stem cells in patients with left ventricular dysfunction due to ischemic heart disease. We review the potential value of using a coronary venous approach in association with recent therapeutic developments in the interventional treatment of structural and ischemic heart disease. We will also discuss techniques related to coronary venous catheterization.

Key Words: catheterization • catheters • valves • valvuloplasty • veins

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the editors or of the American Heart Association.