Selective cannulation of the anterior interventricular vein and coronary sinus: potential applications.

A technique of cannulation of the anterior interventricular vein (AIV) selectively, along with selective cannulation of the coronary sinus, is described. The technique was successful in 61 of 82 patients (76%) in whom it was attempted. There were no serious complications. The technique allows one to obtain blood samples simultaneously from the anterior interventricular vein and the coronary sinus, so that the metabolism of the left ventricular anterior wall and that of the overall left ventricle can be studied. Possible clinical applications of simultaneous investigation of the left ventricular anterior wall and global myocardial metabolism are discussed.