Intracoronary stent placement proximal to a myocardial bridge: immediate and long-term results.

The intracoronary stent placement in a lesion proximal to a myocardial bridge is of special importance and is considered to be a challenge for the interventional cardiologist. In this study 4 cases of stent implantation proximal to a coronary bridged segment are described. In all cases complications were observed after the procedure. The patients remained free of symptoms and the exercise Tl201 test was negative for ischemia 8.5 ± 2.6 months later. Although there is skepticism because of the abnormal coronary flow pattern, the endothelial dysfunction and the subsequent thrombogenicity, the stent placement proximal to a myocardial bridge was safe and with favorable long term results in all 4 cases. However, further studies in large populations are necessary. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 46:363–367, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.