Authors

• Sara Milanović Litre — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
• Adrijana Livaja — University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia

Keywords

vascular access, rupture, complication, stenosis

DOI

Full Text

Introduction : Despite technological evolution and intervention techniques, complications resulting from vascular access still occur in patients undergoing percutaneous procedures in invasive laboratories. Brachial artery access, although little used by some specialties, is an option in peripheral vascular procedures and an alternative access in case of failure of other routes. Access site complications lead to longer periods of hospitalization, additional treatments, and higher costs, in addition to being associated with increased morbidity and mortality ( 1 ). Case report : In this case we have 58-year-old patient with diabetes mellitus and advanced micro and macrovascular complications, history of CABG, and peripheral artery disease was admitted with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated with acute heart failure. After initial management a bedside echo was performed that show reduced LVEF of 25% and hypokinesia of the anterior wall. CT angio was performed which showed patent arterial grafts (LIMA LAD RIMA RCA). Diagnostic coronary angiography was performed using left brachial access which showed significant stenosis of the ostial subclavian artery. Patient was referred to our invasive radiologist, which performed PTA and implanted a stent at the site of stenosis using bi brachial arterial access. Two hours after procedure patient complained about tingling in the fingers of his right hand, with swelling. A CTA was performed and revealed a rupture of the right brachial artery, and a vascular surgeon was called, who sealed the place of bleeding. Patient was discharged 9 days after, and a follow up was performed after one year, with echo showing EFLV of 50% and patient being angina free.