Guiding the way: A seamless strategy for internal mammary artery cannulation

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) could present significant challenges, especially when the navigation of arterial conduits is necessary. The selective cannulation of internal mammary artery (IMA) is the first step of these high-risk procedures, in which technical complexities and ischemic complications are frequently faced. Acknowledging the lack of pre-shaped guiding catheter alternatives, IMA cannulation is time and contrast–consuming and potentially dangerous, as both catheter probing and wiring attempts may threaten vessel integrity.

To address this unmet need we developed a novel, easy-to-use technique to achieve selective internal mammary artery (IMA) graft cannulation. Our method proposes to first engage the arterial graft by means of any diagnostic catheter, whose shape can be chosen according to the specific features of the graft. Afterwards, a 0.014-inch workhorse guidewire is advanced to the distal segment of the graft. A 5- or 6-French IM guiding catheter is finally tracked over the wire rail into the ostium to reach stable engagement, ensuring procedural success. This approach is applicable irrespective of access route (ipsilateral or contralateral, transradial or transfemoral), and ultimately reduces procedural complexities and ischemic risks associated with traditional practice. This method also promotes the adoption of smaller guide catheters, thus reducing the ischemic triggers during selective cannulation. Furthermore, it offers versatility in catheter selection and guidewire support, enhancing personalization to diverse patient anatomies and clinical scenarios.

By streamlining procedures and improving success rates, our technique represents a significant advancement in PCI via IMA grafts, promising safer and more efficient interventions for CABG patients.