Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has emerged as a mode of treatment in patients with both chronic and acute coronary syndromes. Among the recognized complications of coronary angioplasty is coronary embolism. This case report describes a case of acute anterior myocardial infarction which was treated with angioplasty of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Postdilation angiography revealed obstruction of the posterior descending artery (in a left dominant system). The use of thrombolytic therapy previous to angioplasty is briefly discussed.

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An 88-year-old patient undergoing percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty of a tricuspid aortic valve is described. The patient had mild aortic regurgitation prior to the procedure but developed severe aortic regurgitation after balloon dilatation of the valve. At the time of surgery there was no anatomic disruption of the valve or supporting structures. Development of severe aortic incompetence following balloon valvuloplasty has not been previously reported.

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