Anomalous Coronary Artery Intervention

What is anomalous coronary artery intervention?

Anomalous coronary artery intervention is a type of procedure to correct a problem coronary artery. An anomalous coronary artery has an abnormal shape. This can cause it to be blocked. During the procedure, the blocked part of the artery is opened up.

The heart pumps blood to the body and lungs. But it also needs its own supply of blood to keep it alive. The coronary arteries send blood to the heart muscle. These arteries lead from the aortic sinuses. The aortic sinuses are in the aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel that sends blood from the heart out to the whole body.

There are two coronary arteries that normally lead from these sinuses. The right coronary artery leads from the right aortic sinus. The left coronary artery leads from the left aortic sinus. These two arteries branch off into other coronary arteries. In some people, the way these branch off are somewhat abnormal. This happens before birth. No one knows what causes it. It may cause no problems. But in some cases, it can cause major problems or even sudden death.

Fatty deposits may form inside the arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis. The deposits can block the flow of blood through the arteries. The arteries may also become compressed due to the abnormal paths they take.

The intervention, or treatment, uses angioplasty and a stent to fix the artery. The procedure is done with a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that has a tiny balloon at its tip. The catheter is put into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist. It’s then gently moved to the coronary artery. The balloon is inflated. This pushes aside the fatty deposits and makes space in the artery. Or, it opens up a compressed area. A small mesh tube called a stent is then put in the area. It’s left in place to keep the area open. The catheter is then removed.

Why might I need an anomalous coronary artery intervention?

Treatment is often advised for people with this condition who have symptoms. An anomalous coronary artery may not cause any symptoms. Or it may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fainting with exercise, or abnormal heart rhythms. This may mean that the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.

Getting treatment for an obstructed anomalous coronary artery can prevent serious problems. These include lack of blood to the heart muscle (ischemia), irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death.

Some people with an anomalous coronary artery can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. In other cases, a person may need the intervention procedure. Or your doctor may advise a different type of surgery. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each procedure for you.

What are the risks of anomalous coronary artery intervention?

All procedures have risks. The risks of this procedure include:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Blood vessel damage from the catheters
  • Infection
  • Blood clot that can lead to stroke or blockage of the stent
  • Abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause death in rare cases
  • Allergic reaction to the dye
  • Heart attack
  • Need for coronary artery bypass grafting, if the artery doesn’t open with the procedure

Your risks may vary based on your overall health, the severity of your condition, and other factors. Ask your doctor about which risks apply most to you.

How do I prepare for an anomalous coronary artery intervention?

Talk with your health care provider how to prepare for your procedure. Tell your health care provider about all the medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medications such as aspirin. You may need to stop taking some medications ahead of time, such as blood thinners. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop before your procedure. Talk with your health care provider if you need help to stop smoking.

You may need some tests before the procedure, such as:

  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram, to check the heart rhythm
  • Blood tests, to assess your general health
  • Echocardiogram, to view heart and the blood flow through the heart
  • Multidetector computed tomography scan (MDCT) or cardiac magnetic resonance (MR), if more information about the blood vessels is needed

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. Tell your health care provider about any recent changes in your health, such as a fever.

What happens during an anomalous coronary artery intervention?

Talk with your health care provider about what to expect during your procedure. The procedure often takes place in a cardiac catheterization lab. A cardiologist and a team of specialized nurses and technicians work together. A typical procedure may go like this:

  • An IV will be put in your arm or hand before the procedure starts. You’ll be given sedation through the IV line. This will make you relaxed and sleepy during procedure.
  • Hair in the area of your procedure may be removed. The area may be numbed with a local anesthesia.
  • The health care provider will make a small incision in a blood vessel in your groin or wrist. He or she will then insert a long, thin wire into this cut. The wire acts as a guide for during the procedure.
  • The health care provider will then insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) over the wire. It has a tiny deflated balloon on the end. The catheter will be threaded through the blood vessel all the way into the coronary artery. Continuous x-ray images may be used to show exactly where the catheter is.
  • The balloon will be inflated inside the narrow part of the artery. This will stretch the area open.
  • A mesh tube called a stent may be left in place in the area. This will help keep the area open.
  • The balloon will be deflated, and the catheter will be removed.
  • The incision site in the groin or wrist will be closed and bandaged.

What happens after an anomalous coronary artery intervention?

After the procedure, you will spend several hours in a recovery room. You may be sleepy and confused when you wake up. Your healthcare team will watch your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing. You’ll be given pain medication if you need it.

You may need to lie flat without bending your legs for several hours after the procedure. This is to help prevent bleeding from the incision site. You will need to stay in the hospital overnight. Your health care provider will tell you more about what to expect.

After you go home, you may need to take medications to help prevent blood clots. You may need to take them for a short time, or take them for a longer time. You may also need to take antibiotics. Your health care provider will let you know about any other changes in your medications. You can take pain medication at home if you need it. Ask your health care provider which to take.

You can resume your normal activities when you get home. But do not do strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several days. Your doctor may give you more instructions.

Make sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments. This will help your health care provider can keep track of your progress. Your doctor may order follow-up tests. These may include an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram.

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

  • Swelling or pain that gets worse
  • Fluid or blood leaking from the incision site
  • Fever
  • Chest pain

Follow all of your health care provider’s instructions. This includes any advice about medications, exercise, and wound care.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

  • The name of the test or procedure
  • The reason you are having the test or procedure
  • The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
  • When and where you are to have the test or procedure and who will do it
  • When and how will you get the results
  • How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure
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