Surgical treatment of coexistent aortic, peripheral vascular and coronary disease

To determine the priority of the surgical treatment of coexistent aortic and coronary disease (CAD), we reviewed 19 cases of aortic aneurysm combined with severe coronary lesions who underwent operation from Jan, 1984 to Aug, 1989. There were 15 cases of abdominal and 4 cases of thoracic aneurysm. All patients had graft replacement for the aneurysm and 12 patients had elective aortocoronary bypass surgery (CABG), one had percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and 6 received medical treatment for CAD. In 6 cases, CABG preceded abdominal aneurysm operation. In 3 cases of ascending thoracic aneurysm, simultaneous coronary and aortic operation were performed. There were no early and late operative death. In an attempt to reduce perioperative myocardial infarction which is one of the most frequent complications of aneurysmal operation, we performed routine coronary angiogram before operation. In 104 patients considered for elective aortic and peripheral vascular disease, coronary angiogram were performed. The incidence of coexistent coronary artery disease in peripheral vascular and aortic disease were 46.1%. The incidence of multiple vessel CAD in patients with aortic and peripheral disease were high. Our surgical strategy for coexistent aortic, peripheral vascular and coronary disease is basically staged operation and simultaneous operation are performed only in ascending and proximal arch aneurysm.     

Perioperative stroke in coronary artery bypass surgery. Analysis of risk factors

The incidence of neurologic complications after coronary bypass surgery is steadily rising as older and sicker patients are increasingly being treated. To identify patients requiring special attention, we reviewed the records in 2263 consecutive cases of first-time coronary artery bypass grafting in 1993-1995, in order to find predictive factors for stroke. Significant factors in univariate analysis were patient age, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal failure (defined as serum creatinine > or = 150 micromol/l), aneurysmal disease of the abdominal aorta, stenosis of the left main coronary artery, urgent or emergency operation, NYHA class, cardiopulmonary bypass time, number of aortic anastomoses, intraoperatively detected loose or calcified atheromatosis of the ascending aorta, left ventricular venting, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, cardiac complications necessitating early reoperation, and perioperative myocardial infarction. In a multivariate analysis, age, renal failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, NYHA class, number of aortic anastomoses, perioperative myocardial infarction and intraoperatively detected loose atheromatosis of the ascending aorta remained significant.     

Results from coronary artery bypass surgery combined abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Complication from coronary artery disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We report our results from coronary artery bypass surgery performed in combination with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in patients with coronary artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm, each being an indication for an emergency operation. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent combined coronary artery bypass surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The mean age of the patients was 67.6 +/- 5.2 years. Four had left main disease, 8 patients had triple-vessel disease, and 12 had a prior myocardial infarction. The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.49 +/- 0.13. The average abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 6.2 +/- 1.0 cm (range 4.5-8.0 cm). Thirteen patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery followed by abdominal aortic aneurysm repair after discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. In the remaining four patients, including one patient with severe left ventricular dysfunction, cardiopulmonary bypass was continued as a circulatory assist until the abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was completed. The left internal thoracic artery was used in 14 patients, and the right internal thoracic artery in one patient. RESULTS: Postoperative surgical complications occurred in three patients (bleeding in one patient requiring reoperation, abdominal subcutaneous wound infection in another and transient neural disorder in the others). There were no surgical or in-hospital death. There was no late cardiac complication and no late cardiac death after a mean of 29 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that combined surgery was reasonable for selected patients with combined coronary artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm, each of which is an indication for an urgent operation. The aortic aneurysm repair during cardiopulmonary bypass for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction was safe and effective.     

Propensity case-matched analysis of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with atheromatous aortic disease

OBJECTIVE: Atheromatous aortic disease is a risk factor for excessive mortality and stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with severe atheromatous aortic disease were compared by propensity case-match methods. METHODS: Routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identified 985 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with severe atheromatous disease in the aortic arch or ascending aorta. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 281 patients (28.5%). Propensity matched-pairs analysis was used to match patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 245) with patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed decreased hospital mortality (16/245, 6.5% vs 28/245, 11.4%; P =.058) and stroke prevalence (4/245, 1.6% vs 14/245, 5.7%; P =.03) in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Freedom from any postoperative complication was higher in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (226/245, 92.2% vs 196/245, 80.0%; P <.001). Multivariable analysis of preoperative risk factors showed that increased hospital mortality was associated with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio = 2.7; P =.01), fewer grafts (P =.05), acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 11.5; P <.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio = 2.4; P =.03), previous cardiac surgery (odds ratio = 10.2, P =.05), and peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio = 2.1; P =.05). Cardiopulmonary bypass was the only independent risk factor for stroke (odds ratio = 3.6, P =.03). At 36 months' follow-up, comparable survival was observed in the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass groups (74% vs 72%). Multivariable analysis revealed that renal disease (P <.001), advanced age (P <.001), previous myocardial infarction (P =.03), and lower number of grafts (P =.02) were independent risks for late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe atherosclerotic aortic disease who undergo off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting have a significantly lower prevalence of hospital mortality, perioperative stroke, and overall complications than matched patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identifies severe atheromatous aortic disease and directs the choice of surgical technique.     

Reoperative CABG using left thoracotomy: a tailored strategy

BACKGROUND: Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a left thoracotomy is a challenging operation with no one dominant approach. We developed a tailored strategy for this difficult group of patients, integrating the currently available newer technologies for each patient indication. METHODS: Between October 1991 and October 1999, 50 consecutive patients underwent reoperative CABG through a left thoracotomy. Age was 65 +/- 9 years, 40 (80%) were men, and preoperative ejection fraction was 40 +/- 13. In 36 patients (72%) the left internal mammary artery had been placed to the left anterior descending coronary artery during the primary CABG and in 25 of 36 patients (70%) this left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending coronary artery graft was patent. The mean duration from previous CABG was 8.0 +/- 4.8 years. Three approaches were used: (1) conventional cardiopulmonary bypass using fibrillatory or circulatory arrest (n = 33, 66%); (2) Heartport endoaortic balloon occlusion (n = 4, 8%); and (3) off-pump beating heart techniques (n = 13, 26%). RESULTS: The off-pump CABG technique was used in the majority of recent patients and 1 (7.7%) had to be converted to cardiopulmonary bypass due to hemodynamic instability. When cardiopulmonary bypass was used its duration was 122 +/- 59 minutes and mean temperature on bypass was 24 degrees +/- 6 degrees C. In the 4 patients in whom the Heartport system was used, the median endoaortic occlusion duration was 49 minutes. Patients received an average of 1.4 grafts/patient. In 60 of 70 patients (89%) distal anastomoses were performed to an anterolateral coronary target. There were 3 of 50 (6%) operative deaths, 2 in the conventional group and 1 in the endoaortic balloon occlusion group. The mean length of stay in the 47 survivors was 7.8 +/- 3.9 days (median, 7 days). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperative CABG by left thoracotomy remains a challenging operation. Several techniques, including off-pump CABG, conventional cardiopulmonary bypass, circulatory arrest, and endoaortic balloon occlusion, should be in the surgeon's armamentarium to allow a tailored approach for each operation based on patient indications.     

Off-pump coronary artery revascularization: ideal indication for patients with porcelain aorta and calcification of great vessels

Patients with porcelain aorta and severe calcification of the great vessels are a challenging dilemma for the cardiovascular surgeon regarding bypass technique, choice of conduit, and selection of proximal anastomotic sites due to the high incidence of devastating thromboembolization and aortic injury. No currently proposed surgical approach avoids manipulation of the heavily calcified ascending aorta. Three patients presented with unstable angina and decreased ventricular function secondary to significant left main coronary artery stenosis and 3-vessel coronary artery disease. In addition to the coronary artery disease, severely calcified ascending aorta and great vessels were discovered. One patient presented with near total distal abdominal aortic occlusion, severe peripheral vascular disease, history of stroke, and carotid endarterectomy. Surgical coronary revascularization was indicated. Coronary artery bypass grafting using internal thoracic artery and greater saphenous vein composite arterial inflow grafts in combination with off-pump beating heart surgery was successfully used. Cardiopulmonary bypass and clamping of the aorta was avoided. No new neurologic deficit was observed. Coronary revascularization with internal thoracic artery composite grafts and avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and clamping the calcified aorta is an effective method to prevent clamp injury and thromboembolization. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting seems to be an ideal indication in patients with porcelain aorta because the surgical techniques of "no-touch" and "no-cannulation" can be applied.     

Combined transdiaphragmatic MIDCAB with right gastroepiploic artery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Combined surgical repair for large abdominal aortic aneurysm and severe symptomatic coronary artery disease is a safe and effective procedure. Simultaneous operation for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were performed on a 75-yr-old man. First, we harvested the right gastroepiploic artery and passed it through the diaphragma for the right coronary artery revascularization on the beating heart. We then repaired the large abdominal aortic aneurysm (8 cm in diameter) using a Dacron tubular Y-graft. Using the arterial graft and off-pump technique reduces operation time and prevents complications of cardiopulmonary bypass in elderly patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysm, while the combined approach shortens hospital stay and cost.     

Successful combined minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass and transapical aortic valve implantation

Transapical aortic valve implantation is indicated in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis and peripheral vascular disease requiring aortic valve replacement. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting is also a valid, minimally invasive option for myocardial revascularization in patients with critical stenosis on the anterior descending coronary artery. Both procedures are performed through a left minithoracotomy, without cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and cardioplegic arrest. We describe a successful combined transapical aortic valve implantation and minimally invasive direct coronary bypass in a high-risk patient with left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and severe aortic valve stenosis.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass for high-risk patients

Between January 1991 and June 1993, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed without either cardiopulmonary bypass or cardiac arrest in 23 patients. Most patients had several surgical risk factors, including age ⩾ 70 years, poor left ventricular function, left main coronary artery stenosis, chronic renal failure, and aortic aneurysm. Distal anastomoses were made under temporary interruption of coronary flow. A total of 37 distal anastomoses to the left anterior descending coronary artery and/or right coronary artery (mean 1.6 per patient) were made, 24 of which were internal thoracic arteries. The coronary occlusion time ranged from 7–14 min (mean 9.8 min). Combined cardiac or vascular operations were carried out in six patients (abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, and coronary endarterectomy). There was one hospital death. Postoperative angiography was performed in 22 patients and showed a patency rate of 89%. In summary, coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass may improve the postoperative outcome of high-risk patients.     

The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure on myocardial gas tensions in the presence of coronary stenosis.

Mass spectrometry was utilized to determine myocardial gas tensions in dogs subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass. Myocardial ischemia occurred in animals with normal coronary arteries when cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure fell 40 to 60 mm Hg below the mean aortic pressure measured prior to bypass. Myocardial ischemia did not occur, or could be eliminated when present, if cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure was maintained near prebypass mean aortic pressure. In animals with constricted circumflex coronary arteries, the adverse effect of low perfusion pressure on myocardial metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass was found to be more severe in areas of myocardium supplied by the stenotic coronary artery. It is concluded that maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure near the level of preoperative mean aortic pressure will help prevent myocardial ischemia during operation; particularly in patients with coronary artery disease.     

Combined Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Coronary Artery Bypass: Presentation of 13 Cases and Review of the Literature

Coronary artery disease remains the major cause of perioperative mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The beneficial effect of coronary artery bypass (CAB) before AAA repair in patients with severe coronary artery disease has been proven. The coexistence of a very large or symptomatic AAA and coronary artery disease remains a therapeutic challenge since there is the risk of AAA rupture in the interval between CAB and AAA repair. Combined CAB and aortic aneurysm repair has been suggested for these cases, and results on several series of patients have been published. However, the exact indication for the combined operation remains to be clarified. We present a series of 13 patients who underwent CAB on cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic aneurysm repair as a one-stage procedure. The indication was a large AAA in seven patients and a symptomatic AAA in six patients. In four patients, the aortic reconstruction was performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass; in nine patients, the aortic reconstruction was performed under partial cardiopulmonary bypass. Thirty-day mortality was 15%. Major morbidity was 31%. All major complications were due to excessive bleeding and occurred in patients who had AAA repair performed with partial cardiopulmonary bypass, suggesting that prolonged bypass time represents a major source of morbidity. A detailed review of the literature is presented. From the evidence available we suggest that the combined procedure can be recommended only for patients with very high rupture risk, such as in symptomatic AAA. In all other cases, the staged approach — CAB followed by AAA repair 2-4 weeks later — is preferable. During the combined procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass support during AAA repair should be used only in patients with clear evidence of hemodynamic instability.     

Axillary artery cannulation in type a aortic dissection operations.

BACKGROUND: Femoral arteries are the preferred site of peripheral cannulation for arterial inflow in type A aortic dissection operations. The presence of aortoiliac aneurysms, severe peripheral occlusive disease, atherosclerosis of the femoral vessels, and distal extension of the aortic dissection may preclude their utilization. Axillary artery cannulation may represent a valid alternative in these circumstances. METHODS: Between January 15, 1989, and August 20, 1998, in our institution, 22 of 152 operations (14.4%) for acute type A aortic dissection were performed with the use of the axillary artery for the arterial inflow. Axillary artery cannulation was undertaken in the presence of femoral arteries bilaterally compromised by dissection in 12 patients (54.5%), abdominal aorta and peripheral aneurysm in 5 patients (22.7%), severe atherosclerosis of both femoral arteries in 3 patients (13. 6%), and aortoiliac occlusive disease in 2 patients (9.1%). In all patients, distal anastomosis was performed with an open technique after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Retrograde cerebral perfusion was used in 9 patients (40.9%). RESULTS: Axillary artery cannulation was successful in all patients. The left axillary artery was cannulated in 20 patients (90.9%), and the right axillary artery was cannulated in 2 patients (9.1%). Axillary artery cannulation followed an attempt of femoral artery cannulation in 15 patients (68. 2%). All patients survived the operation, and no patient had a cerebrovascular accident. No axillary artery thrombosis, no brachial plexus injury, and no intraoperative malperfusion were recorded in this series. Two patients (9.1%) died in the hospital of complications not related to axillary artery cannulation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type A aortic dissection in whom femoral arteries are acutely or chronically diseased, axillary artery cannulation represents a safe and effective means of providing arterial inflow during cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Perfusion during coronary and mitral valve surgery utilizing minimally invasive Port-Access technology

Minimally invasive surgery has been used in the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases. Port-Access surgery is a new minimally invasive technique that utilizes cardiopulmonary by-pass and a specialized catheter system that provides cardiopulmonary support and myocardial preservation. Extrathoracic cardiopulmonary support is established with femero-femoral bypass with kinetic assisted venous drainage. An endovascular catheter system allows for all the benefits of mechanical support as well as myocardial preservation. This catheter system includes an endoaortic balloon catheter which functions as an aortic cross clamp and antegrade cardioplegia delivery catheter, endopulmonary vent, and endocoronary sinus catheter used for administration of retrograde cardioplegia. An initial cohort of 20 patients was treated by the Port-Access surgical approach with cardiopulmonary bypass. Ten patients had coronary artery surgery and 10 patients had mitral valve surgery. The average bypass times were 94.4 min (coronary artery) and 152.8 min (mitral valve). The mean aortic occlusion times were 49.7 min (coronary artery) and 112.6 min (mitral valve). All patients were weaned from bypass. This initial patient series demonstrated that Port-Access surgery was feasible in selected patients.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting in a case with severe aortic atheromatosis associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm

A 69-year-old man with coronary artery disease associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent a one-stage operation utilizing a low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Ordinary cardiopulmonary bypass was abandoned as a result of severe atheromatous finding in the entire aorta. However, coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass was hazardous as a result of heart enlargement and deteriorating function. Therefore, the abdominal aortic aneurysm was frist replaced with a bifurcated graft. Coronary artery bypass grafting with two arterial grafts was then performed successfully on the beating heart with the support of a low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass connected to the bifurcated graft.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting in a case with severe aortic atheromatosis associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 69-year-old man with coronary artery disease associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent a one-stage operation utilizing a low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Ordinary cardiopulmonary bypass was abandoned as a result of severe atheromatous finding in the entire aorta. However, coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass was hazardous as a result of heart enlargement and deteriorating function. Therefore, the abdominal aortic aneurysm was first replaced with a bifurcated graft. Coronary artery bypass grafting with two arterial grafts was then performed successfully on the beating heart with the support of a low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass connected to the bifurcated graft.     

Simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting and vascular operations: early and mid-term results

AIM: The purpose of this study was to estimate the results of surgical strategy for patients undergoing simultaneous coronary and peripheral artery surgical interventions and to compare their early and mid-term clinical results with the results of the isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations. METHODS: From 1999 to 2005, 78 patients underwent simultaneous vascular reconstructions following CABG. All the patients were divided into 3 groups: CABG and carotid artery group (CAG), CABG and peripheral vascular group (PVG), and CABG and abdominal aortic aneurysm group (AAAG). RESULTS: In CAG, early mortality was 2%, postoperative myocardial infarction and stroke rates were 2% and 6.1%, respectively. In PVG, one (4%) patient had postoperative stroke, and there were neither deaths nor myocardial infarctions. PVG and CAG did not differ significantly in postoperative complications and mortality rates from the isolated CABG group. The simultaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm operations were related to higher early mortality rate (2 out of 6). Using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 3-year overall survival probability in the simultaneous operation group was 82%; the 5-year overall survival probability, 74%. PVG and CAG did not differ in the survival probability from the isolated CABG group. The survival probability in AAAG was lower than in the isolated CABG group. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous CABG and vascular operations whenever indicated are feasible procedures to be performed on patients with concomitant carotid artery and/or peripheral vascular occlusive disease. The surgical management of coronary artery disease followed by abdominal aortic aneurysm repair remains still controversial.     

Simultaneous coronary bypass and abdominal aortic surgery in patients with severe coronary disease — indication and results

In patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) abdominal aortic surgery is still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Some patients will present with both symptomatic CAD and large, symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) or end-stage aortic occlusive disease (AOD) that does not allow for a two-stage procedure. We report a series of 29 patients who underwent simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and abdominal aortic surgery (25 AAA, 4 AOD). In the AAA group there were 23 males and 2 females with a mean age of 68 years (50–80). Sixteen patients presented with severe three-vessel disease. Ten patients had unstable angina. Aortic stenosis or insufficiency was present in two and one patient, respectively. Four patients with three-vessel disease and an ejection fraction below 30% presented with end-stage AOD and critical limb ischemia. Coronary bypass graft surgery was performed first. With the patient still on partial cardiopulmonary bypass, abdominal aortic surgery was carried out. Patients received an average of 3.1 coronary bypass grafts. Additionally, three aortic valves were implanted. Fourteen tube grafts and 15 bi-iliacal or bifemoral bifurcation grafts were placed in the abdominal aortic position. Additional vascular surgery was performed in five patients. Intraoperative management was without complication in all but one patient, who had intraoperative myocardial infarction (AOD group). Hospital mortality was 8% (2/25) in the AAA group. There was however substantial hospital morbidity (52.2%). The mean follow-up is 20.5±2.5 months. The actuarial survival rate at 3 years is 84.9%. It is concluded that combined CABG and abdominal aortic surgery is a reasonable option for patients who present with both severe CAD and symptomatic abdominal aortic disease. The continuation of CPB during aortic surgery may effectively prevent the adverse effects of infrarenal aortic clamping on a failing ventricle.     

Combined coronary artery bypass grafting and bilateral renal revascularization for unstable angina and impeding renal failure

The purpose of our article is to describe a patient with severe hypertension and moderate renal insufficiency, unstable angina, and a 6 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. A previous aortogram had demonstrated severe bilateral renal artery stenoses. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated severe coronary disease. After cardiac catheterization acute renal failure and pulmonary edema requiring dialysis developed in the patient. In addition, evidence of impending myocardial necrosis developed. Because of the critical nature of the myocardial and renal ischemia it was necessary to perform combined myocardial and renal revascularization rather than staged procedures. At the time of coronary artery bypass grafting, a vein graft was anastomosed to the right coronary artery vein graft and tunneled through the diaphragm into the abdomen to revascularize both renal arteries. After surgery renal function gradually improved, and no further dialysis was required. The abdominal aortic aneurysm was repaired at a subsequent operation. At 2-year follow-up all grafts remained patent. The serum creatinine is 1.2 mg/dl. Although most patients with combined coronary artery disease and renal artery disease can be treated with staged operations, our procedure may be of value in patients in whom staged procedure are not feasible and in whom the infrarenal aorta is severely diseased or aneurysmal.     

Operative strategy in combined coronary and carotid artery disease

In the period between the opening of our heart center in November 1984 and May 1986, 2001 cardiac operations were performed with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Almost three quarters (73.5%, n = 1471) of the patients had coronary artery disease and 20% (n = 359) had acquired valvular heart disease. In 47 of 1471 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, a simultaneous carotid endarterectomy was performed. They included 36 men and 11 women, aged between 51 and 78 years (mean 64 years). Preoperatively, 12 patients had cerebrovascular symptoms and 35 were neurologically asymptomatic. Twenty-three had unilateral carotid stenosis and 24 had bilateral or multiple vessel disease of the extracranial arteries. All except four patients had triple-vessel coronary artery disease. In three patients with aortic valve disease, coronary bypass, carotid endarterectomy, and aortic valve replacement were performed simultaneously. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted before carotid endarterectomy was performed, with mild hypothermia and hemodilution for added protection. Electroencephalographic monitoring was used throughout the operation. Forty-six of the 47 patients survived the operation without neurologic or cardiac complications. One patient had a neurologic deficit with hemiplegia and coma, which was lethal. We conclude that simultaneous endarterectomy of significant extracranial artery stenosis in candidates for coronary bypass is a method safe enough to justify its routine use.     

Fate of the iliac arteries after repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with an aortobifemoral bypass graft

The objective of this study is to determine the fate of the iliac arteries after repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with an aortobifemoral bypass graft. It is a prospective natural history study at a university-affiliated urban teaching hospital. Thirty-two patients with retrograde flow to the iliac circulation after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by aortobifemoral bypass grafting were studied. All patients were followed prospectively with repeat CAT scans, clinical assessment, and selective angiography to determine the fate of the iliac circulation. We were particularly interested in subsequent vessel thrombosis or aneurysmal dilation. Patient survival was analyzed with a Kaplan-Meier life-table and survival curve. Graft patency was analyzed using life-table analysis. Primary outcomes included iliac artery size, graft patency, and patient survival. The iliac arteries remained constant in size or thrombosed in all study patients. Iliac expansion did not occur in any of the study patients. Secondary graft patency was 100%. The cumulative survival rate at 47 months was 0.55 (0.37–0.74,95% confidence interval). Retrograde perfusion of diseased iliac arteries after aortobifemoral bypass for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is safe. Iliac artery atherosclerotic, ectatic or small aneurysmal disease (≤3 cm) does not appear to be a contraindication to retrograde iliac artery perfusion.