Successful Treatment of Ischemic Dysfunction of the Sinus Node with Thrombolytic Therapy: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

We report on a case of ischemic dysfunction of the sinus node as a complication after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of the distal left circumflex artery. After local thrombolytic therapy in the sinus node artery, sinus node arterial flow was re-established and sinus node function normalized over the period of a week. Our experience suggests that immediate reperfusion of a totally occluded nodal artery can be re-established. Ischemic dysfunction of the sinus node, as a complication of angioplasty, is generally transient and requires a prolonged period for recovery. Therefore the decision to implant a permanent pacemaker should be delayed for at least one week after the ischemic insult.