Results of aortocoronary bypass operations. Follow-up in 343 patients.

Abstract

SUMMARY Three hundred and forty-three patients who had aortocoronary bypass graft operations for disabling angina were followed up for from 6 months to 5 years (average 2 years). 80 The early excellent clinical results achieved in many centres by aortocoronary bypass grafting has encouraged cardiologists to recommend this operation for symptomatic relief of angina. The continued use of the procedure will depend to a large extent on the late results. In this report we examine our experience with 343 patients followed up for from 6 months to 5 years after operation. Preoperative assessmentPatients presenting with angina pectoris from February 1971 to February 1976 were considered for surgical treatment and admitted to hospital for evaluation. The preoperative assessment and operative procedure have been described previously (Balcon et al., 1974). Because of chest pain, 893 patients were investigated angiographically. This excludes those that had associated valvar disease or non-coronary myocardiopathies. There were 343 patients who were referred for an aortocoronary 'Present address:

Reoperation for recurrent angina.

“…Ten patients had previously ungrafted vessels grafted and 4 are symptom free, 3 have mild angina, 2 have severe angina, and 1 is limited by breathlessness. Seven patients had a combined procedure and 4 are symptom free, 1 has mild angina, and 2 have severe angina.Reoperation can be carried out safely but the results are less satisfactory than for a primary procedure.Aortocoronary bypass surgery abolishes or improves angina in most patients (Cooley et al, 1973;Assad-Morrell et al, 1975;Donaldson et al, 1978). In some, however, the operation is unsuccessful, while in others angina recurs after an initially good result.…”

“…Aortocoronary bypass surgery abolishes or improves angina in most patients (Cooley et al, 1973;Assad-Morrell et al, 1975;Donaldson et al, 1978). In some, however, the operation is unsuccessful, while in others angina recurs after an initially good result.…”