Saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure secondary to degeneration can cause significant problems after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Repeat revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention can be performed after SVG failure but is often associated with less favourable clinical outcome. Treatment for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of native vessels after SVG failure among patients with prior CABG is frequently performed. However, revascularization of CTO vessels in patients with prior CABG may be more complex and require more frequent use of the retrograde approach. Good septal or epicardial collateral channels are usually needed for the retrograde CTO approach. However, suitable native collateral channels may be absent and alternative retrograde routes should be considered. In this case report, we described a patient who had prior CABG and developed recurrent angina after SVG failure. His native CTO lesion was successfully revascularized by using a totally occluded vein graft as a retrograde conduit.
Key words: Chronic total occlusions; Coronary artery bypass grafts; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Saphenous vein graft.