Thrombus formation in the ascending aorta: A complication of angioplasty

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Abstract
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is recognized as an effective therapeutic procedure for nonsurgical relief of critical coronary stenosis. However, this procedure has the inherent traumatic risk of thromboembolic phenomenon in treated patients. This paper describes a hiterto unreported complication. In two patients a thrombus appeared in the ascending aorta during PTCA performed in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Mechanisms involved are postulated. It is emphasized that particular attention should be paid to the lateral view in dilatation to treat LAD lesion, especially if the procedure is prolonged.