Right coronary artery spasms triggered by mechanical compression during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
In this case report, we describe recurrent spasms of the right coronary artery with no apparent preexisting abnormal angiogram that caused second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block and inferior wall hypokinesis. These hemodynamic changes were induced by mechanical compression of the right coronary artery by a pericardium drain tube. From our experience, we should be aware that mechanical compression may trigger an exaggerated vasomotor response, leading to severe coronary artery spasms.