Biochemical Markers of Myocardial Injury during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with and without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques have been applied recently in the management of variety of cardiac lesions. Between December 1998 and February 1999, fifty patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under two different techniques. In group A (twenty five patients), CABG was done under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and in group B (twenty three patients), CABG was performed on a 'beating heart' without CPB. Serum concentration of cardiac specific enzymes CPZ-MB and Troponin-T were estimated in all the patients from pre-induction period to 72 hours after the bypass graft. Group A patients exhibited a significant (P<0.05) elevation in the CPK-MB and Troponin-T level as compared to group B. Our results show that the extent of myocardial damage following CABG is significantly less when the procedure is done on a 'beating heart'.     

Efficacy of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor enoximone in complicated cardiac surgery

Acute myocardial dysfunction during cardiac surgery involves various pathophysiologic mechanisms such as reduction in myocardial contractility and an increase in afterload induced by peripheral vasoconstriction. In 30 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and ten consecutive patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR), in whom therapy with catecholamines was expected to be necessary during and after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the basis of a retrospective study ("control" patients), 1.0 mg/kg of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor enoximone was administered ten minutes prior to weaning from bypass (enoximone group). In eight CABG and four AVR patients weaning was possible without further pharmacologic support. Significantly less epinephrine was used in enoximone pretreated patients (8.8 +/- 3.0 micrograms/min) than in the control patients (21.4 +/- 4.4 micrograms/kg). The use of additional vasodilators was significantly less pronounced in these patients as well. Seven CABG and four AVR patients in the enoximone group needed additional vasoconstrictors (norepinephrine) to counteract marked, unwanted decrease in peripheral vascular resistance with a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Hemodynamic monitoring revealed a higher level in heart rate in the control patients with arrhythmia in seven of the CABG patients: MAP, right atrial pressure, cardiac index, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were without significant differences between the groups. Pulmonary artery pressure and TSR, however, increased more in the control group, indicating an increase in right and left ventricular afterload. The results of this study demonstrate that patients at risk of circulatory failure during or after weaning from CPB profit from pretreatment with PDE-III inhibitor enoximone due to a reduction in catecholamines and an improvement in hemodynamics.     

Combination of autologous Transfusion and Retrograde Autologous Priming Decreases Blood Requirements

In a prospective study, 60 patients posted for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were assigned to 2 groups of 30 each. (group A =combination of acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) and retrograde autologous priming (RAP), group B=control). The aim was to investigate whether retrograde autologous priming reduces haemoditution as compared to control cases. Patients who had a history of previous cardiac surgery and patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, were excluded. Group A patients were subjected to pre-CPB intraoperative autologous blood collection prior to heparin administration. Heparin was given (300IU/Kg) and the aorta was cannulated. In addition, prior to bypass, if the patients had a systolic BP>100 mm Hg, 300cc of their blood was withdrawn in a retrograde manner via aortic cannula into the CPB circuit up to the arterial filter, while the 'displaced' asanguinous prime was diverted into a transfer bag. The total bank blood (whole blood) used intra-op was 26 units in the study group [mean 0.86 unit per patient] versus 52 units in the control group (mean 1.73 units per patient) (P<0.001). Blood components and products were not used in this study. The average fall in haematocrit (Hct) on CPB was 27.03% in the study group versus 39.5% in the control group (P < 0.001). Thus retrograde autologous griming in combination with autologus transfusion significantly reduces the need for bank blood.     

4303例不同年龄组冠状动脉旁路移植术早期疗效分析

目的 探讨不同年龄组冠状动脉旁路移植术手术效果及组间差异.方法采集单纯冠状动脉旁路移植术4 303例临床资料.按年龄分为青年组(≤45岁)、中年组(46～60岁)、低龄老年组(61～74岁)和高龄老年组(≥75岁),对各组患者术前、术中因素,术后死亡率及并发症进行比较.结果 青、中年组患者高血压史、合并轻度二尖瓣或主动脉瓣关闭不全比例、术前血清肌酐、大隐静脉与前降支吻合比例、呼吸机辅助时间、ICU停留时间低于老年组患者,而体外循环及全动脉化桥比例高于老年组患者.青、中年组患者术后死亡率(0.35%和1.52%)明显低于低龄(2.62%)和高龄老年组患者(5.45%).高龄老年组患者术后心房颤动(8.18%)和低心排综合征发生率(3.18%)最高.结论 大隐静脉与前降支吻合、年龄及体外循环是影响术后死亡的独立危险因素.冠状动脉病变支数、全动脉化桥比例、合并轻度二尖瓣关闭不全或主动脉瓣关闭不全比例及术前血清肌酐与死亡率有一定关系.术后肾功能不全可能与术前糖尿病史和术前血清肌酐水平有关.     

Arrhythmia prophylaxis after coronary artery bypass grafting: regimens of magnesium sulfate administration

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmias are common after open heart surgery and may be related to hypomagnesaemia due to cardiopulmonary bypass. Although perioperative prophylactic Mg2+ administration may prevent arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), clear indications as well as the timing of Mg2+ substitution and dose regimen need to be clarified. Aim of this study was to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effects of Mg2+ infusion in patients who underwent elective CABG. METHOD: Ninety-seven patients who underwent elective CABG were divided in four Groups. In Group A 1 g of magnesium sulfate was added to the pump prime, Group B received 1 g in the pump prime plus 5 mmol/L in the cardioplegic solution, Group C received 5 mmol/L in the cardioplegic solution, and Group D was a placebo control Group. Groups A, B, and C also received 24 h continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate at 10 mmol/L. Three-channel electrocardiogram (II-V5-V6) continuous monitoring was performed 12 hours preoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively. Blood samples were taken for subsequent Serum magnesium measurements, at five different time points before, during and after CBP. RESULTS: In all Groups serum Mg2+ levels were reduced during CPB (Time 2) and statistically significant differences from pre-anaesthesia levels (Time 1) were noted (p <0.05). In Groups A, B, and C Serum Mg2+ levels increased progressively from Time 3 to Time 5; in Group D serum Mg2+ levels were still much lower at Time 5. Significant differences (p<0.05) were noted for Groups B and C vs Groups A and D in atrial ectopics, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmic events. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Mg2+ sulfate administration regimens used in Group B and C reduce postoperative arrhythmic events in patients undergoing CABG.     

Ventricular Mechanical Asynchrony in Patients with Different Degrees of Systolic Dysfunction: Results from AVE Registry by the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Echography (SIEC)

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of interventricular and intraventricular asynchrony in patients with different degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Methods: We enrolled 182 patients (male 79%, mean age 64 ± 11 years) with LV ejection fraction (EF) < 50% and identified two groups: Group A (n = 79) with mild‐to‐moderate LV dysfunction (EF between 36% and 49%) and Group B (n = 103) with severe dysfunction (EF ≤ 35%). An echocardiogram was performed in all patients and a delay longer than 40 msec in the time difference between the aortic and pulmonary preejection intervals was considered as an index of interventricular asynchrony. The electromechanical delays were assessed by pulsed tissue Doppler technique. A time difference between the earliest and the latest segment greater than 40 msec was considered the cutoff for intraventricular asynchrony. The sum of asynchrony was calculated by adding to the LV intraventricular delay the delay between the lateral basal right ventricular segment and the most delayed LV basal segment. Results: The prevalence of interventricular asynchrony was lower among Group A patients (19.8% vs. 37.9%; P = 0.007) while the prevalence of intraventricular asynchrony did not differ between groups (32.9% vs. 44% in Group A and Group B respectively; P = 0.18). The sum of asynchrony (cutoff >102 msec) did not differ between groups either (29.9% vs. 35.9%; P = 0.39). Conclusions: The prevalence of intraventricular asynchrony is independent of the LV systolic dysfunction severity. This could indicate the potential role of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mild‐moderate systolic dysfunction. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:110‐116)     

Clinical experience of coenzyme Q10 to enhance intraoperative myocardial protection in coronary artery revascularization

Seventy-eight patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were compared retrospectively to evaluate whether pretreatment with coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ) is effective in preventing left ventricular depression in early reperfusion following CABG. CoQ (5 mg/kg, intravenously) was given to 60 patients, 2 hours prior to the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). CABG was performed using saphenous vein under CPB associated with cold cardioplegia in the standard fashion. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac index showed no significant difference between the CoQ and control groups. However, left ventricular stroke work index was significantly elevated at 6 and 10 hours of reperfusion following CABG in the CoQ-treated group compared with the controls. Serum MB-CK was lower at 0 and 6 hours of reperfusion in the CoQ group compared with the controls. These results suggest that pretreatment with intravenous CoQ is effective in preventing left ventricular depression in early reperfusion and in minimizing myocardial cellular injury during CABG followed by reperfusion.     

Management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mild to moderate aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with mild to moderate aortic stenosis (AS) remains controversial. The study aim was to examine the outcome in patients with mild to moderate AS undergoing CABG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 200 patients with coronary artery disease requiring CABG and with a peak AS gradient < 40 mmHg measured by Doppler echocardiography, between 1990 and 2000. Among patients, 154 underwent isolated CABG (group A) and 46 CABG + aortic valve replacement (AVR) (group B). RESULTS: Mortality was 2.6% (n = 4) in group A and 6.5% (n = 3) in group B (p = NS). The median AS gradients were 34 and 40 mmHg, respectively. Thirty patients (20%) in group A were in NYHA class III-IV compared to 20 (44%) in group B (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications. The mean intensive care unit stay was 2.3 and 2.2 days, respectively (p = NS); median postoperative stay was 6 and 8 days, respectively (p = 0.02). During the median follow up period of 4.2 years no patient in group A required AVR. Nine late deaths occurred in group B, none of which was cardiac-related. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent combined surgery was comparable with that in patients who had isolated CABG. However, none of the patients who underwent only CABG required AVR during the follow up period. It is concluded that patients with mild AS at the time of CABG should not undergo AVR. It is possible that a cut-off AS gradient > 40 mmHg should be considered for combined surgery.     

The risk of stroke following CABG: one possible strategy to reduce it?

OBJECTIVE: Stroke remains a devastating complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): we evaluated whether a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach can reduce its incidence. METHODS: Between January 1998 and January 2002, 1388 consecutive patients underwent isolated on pump CABG with blood cardioplegia. Among the first 627 patients (Group A), Echo-Doppler study (DS) was performed only in selected patients (58) with history of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and/or carotid bruit; in 761 patients (Group B), DS was performed routinely. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was performed in 45 patients in Group A associated to CABG during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and in 90 patients in Group B under local anaesthesia before CABG. Brain CT scan was performed in all cases with postoperative neurological symptoms. RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous for age, sex, associated diseases, history of CVD, number of graft and CPB time. There were no differences in terms of hospital mortality between Group A (22/627: 3.5%) and Group B (21/761: 2.75%); p=0.5. Postoperative stroke was observed in 24/627 (3.82%) patients of Group A and in 2/761 (0.26%) of Group B (p<0.001). Hospital mortality for stroke was higher in Group A (12/627: 1.91%) than in Group B (0/761; p<0.001) as well as the incidence of non-fatal stroke (Group A 12/627: 1.91% versus Group B 2/761: 0.26% p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative DS, performed in all cases of CABG, followed by CEA under local anaesthesia in patients with critical carotid stenosis reduces the incidence of postoperative stroke.     

Effects of phosphodiesterase inhibitors after coronary artery bypass grafting

The aim of this study was to estimate the postoperative effects of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (milrinone and olprinone) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). To prevent hypotension caused by the PDE inhibitors, low dose of catecholamines were used concomitantly. A total of 34 elective CABG cases were tested. In 12 cases, 0.25 microg kg(-1) min(-1) of milrinone, 3 microg kg(-1) min(-1) of dobutamine (DOB) and dopamine (DOA) were used concomitantly (Group-M). In another 10 patients, 0.1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) of olprinone and the same doses of the catecholamines were infused (Group-O). As a control, the same doses of DOA and DOB only were administered in 12 patients (Group-C). When the pump flow of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) decreased to half, these drugs were given in all groups. Hemodynamics were recorded before CPB, just after the operation, and 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the operation. Both milrinone and olprinone increased the cardiac index and decreased systemic vascular resistance to almost the same degree. Olprinone decreased mean aortic and pulmonary artery pressures, and also significantly reduced the preload of both right and left heart compared with milrinone. Significant hypotension was not detected due to the concomitant usage of low-dose catecholamines. This concomitant usage of PDE inhibitors and catecholamines allowed easy weaning from CPB, demonstrating excellent hemodynamics after CABG. Good oxygen demand and supply balance were maintained in peripheral tissue. These results suggest that these new PDE inhibitors may be effective not only for weaning from CPB but also for post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock.     

Correlation of the myocardial performance index with conventional echocardiographic indices of systolic and diastolic function: a study in cardiac surgical patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to compare the myocardial performance index (MPI), a Doppler-derived parameter of global ventricular function, with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Complete two-dimensional and Doppler examinations were performed on 46 CABG patients after induction of anesthesia (baseline), 15 minutes postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and at the end of the surgical procedure. RESULTS: A strong inverse correlation between MPI and both fractional area change (adjusted r(2)= 0.588-0.802) and ejection fraction (adjusted r(2)= 0.576-0.656, both P < 0.001) of the left ventricle was observed throughout the intraoperative period. Following CPB, a weaker correlation was observed between MPI and overall diastolic heart function classification (adjusted r(2)= 0.224-0.268, P <0.001). Weak, though statistically significant, correlations were observed between MPI and deceleration time (P < 0.05), peak atrial reversal (AR) wave velocity (P < or =0.002), and duration of the AR wave (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the MPI correlates well with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic function and modestly well with overall diastolic heart function classification. The MPI may be a useful, complementary marker of global left ventricular function in patients undergoing CABG surgery.     

Prophylactic dialysis in elderly patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery

Renal dysfunction is associated with markedly increased risk for both mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), especially in elderly patients. In the current study, we aimed to determine the impact of prophylactic preoperative hemodialysis on operative outcome in patients with mild renal dysfunction. Between March 2002 and May 2005 a total of 64 patients, all of whom were more than 70 years of age and with preoperative creatinine levels greater than 2 mg/dL, underwent primary elective on pump coronary artery bypass surgery. The mean age was 76.3 +/- 6.4 (range 70-83). The patients were prospectively allocated into two groups. Group A was the dialysis group (31 patients) and preoperative prophylactic hemodialysis was carried out in all patients. Group B (33 patients) was taken as a control group without preoperative hemodialysis. During the present study, 10 patients died (15.6%) in the hospital. In the postoperative period mean levels of creatinine were found to be decreased in dialysis group. (2.3 +/- 0.8 mg/dL vs. 3.4 +/- 0.2 mg/, P = 0.037). The incidence of overall morbidity (such as acute renal failure, need of postoperative dialysis, low cardiac output and multiple organ failure) were also found to be decreased in dialysis group. We conclude from the present study that preoperative renal dysfunction and advanced age increase the risk of mortality and morbidity after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. We believe that perioperative prophylactic hemodialysis is an easy and effective method and it decreases both operative mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with renal dysfunction.     

Effects of autologous fresh platelet concentrate on haemostasis in cardiac reoperations

The aim of this study was to determine whether autologous fresh platelet concentrate (PC) significantly improves haemostasis in cardiac reoperations compared with autologous fresh whole blood (WB). Forty-eight patients who had elective cardiac reoperations with a low-dose aprotinin priming regimen were divided into two groups. The amount of allogeneic blood transfusion was less in patients who were harvested 15 units of PC (Group PC; n = 24) before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) than patients who were harvested 400 ml of WB (Group WB; n = 24). The amount of mediastinal drainage for 12 h in intensive care units were significantly reduced in Group PC compared with Group WB (435 - 273 ml in Group PC versus 909 - 209 ml in Group WB; P < 0.001). Platelet count and collagen-induced whole blood platelet aggregation increased significantly higher in Group PC than Group WB after reinfusion. In conclusion, autologous fresh PC improved haemostasis compared with autologous fresh whole blood in cardiac reoperations with a low-dose aprotinin priming regimen.     

无创心脏血流动力检测对乙型肝炎肝硬化预后的评价价值

目的无创血流动力检测法研究不同阶段乙型肝炎肝硬化患者心脏血流动力学变化,探讨心脏泵功能与肝硬化预后的关系。方法 20例慢性乙型肝炎患者作为对照,以45例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者为研究对象,根据Child-Pugh分级分为A级组(12例)、B级组(17例)和C级组(16例),根据食管静脉曲张程度分为轻度组(10例)、中度组(17例)和重度组(18例),根据病毒载量分为高病毒载量组(105拷贝/ml)(19例)和低病毒载量组(≤105拷贝/ml)(26例),采用无创血流动力检测仪测定心脏血流动力学参数。结果随着肝功能恶化,平均动脉压(MAP)、每搏出量(SV)、每搏指数(SI)、心输出量(CO)、心脏指数(CI)、左心作功(LCW)和左心作功指数(LCWI)呈降低趋势,其中C级组明显低于A级组(P<0.05)。随着食管静脉曲张程度的加重,MAP、SV、SI、CO、CI、LCW和LCWI呈降低趋势,其中重度组明显低于轻度组(P<0.05)。不同病毒载量组间MAP、SV、SI、CO、CI、LCW和LCWI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论心脏血流动力学参数可有效判断乙型肝炎肝硬化病变进展程度,心脏泵功能随肝硬化Child-Pugh分级升高及食管静脉曲张程度加重呈进行性减退。     

Bispectral index-guided anaesthesia for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring may assist reduction in utilisation of anaesthetic agents during general surgical procedures. This study was designed to test whether the use of BIS monitoring reduces the anaesthetic requirements during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This prospective - clinical trial was conducted on 40 adult patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG. Patients received either isoflurane or propofol anaesthesia. BIS monitoring, which guided the dose of anaesthetic, was carried out in 50 percent of the patients. The amount of anaesthetic agent (isoflurane or propofol) administered from the start of anaesthesia to the end of surgical procedure was calculated and were compared in four groups of patients - namely Group A (I-no BIS) received isoflurane; end tidal concentration was maintained at 1-1.2% in a low flow technique throughout the procedure, Group B (I-BIS) received isoflurane in a low flow technique; inspired concentration was dictated by BIS value maintained at 50; Group C (P-no BIS) received propofol at a dose range of 4-8 mg/kg/hr and in Group D(P-BIS) the propofol infusion rate was dictated by BIS value maintained at 50. The quantity of isoflurane was significantly less for Group B (I-BIS) as compared with Group A (I-no BIS) (37 +/- 4 vs. 24 +/- 4 ml; p< 0.05) and similarly the amount of propofol infused was significantly less in Group D (P-BIS) as compared with Group C (P-no BIS) (176 +/- 9 vs. 120 +/- 6 ml; p< 0.05). BIS guided anaesthesia reduces the anaesthetic agent required for the performance of off-pump CABG. This can be extrapolated in terms of saving agent and reduced cardiac depression during off-pump CABG.     

Effect of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia on the early outcome in patients with preserved left ventricular function undergoing surgical revascularisation

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that leukocytes play one of the key roles in the myocardial reperfusion injury. AIM: To examine the effects of cardiac protection with leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia on the early outcome of patients with preserved left ventricular function who undergo surgical revascularisation. METHODS: The study group consisted of 58 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who were randomised to receive leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia (leukocyte filter Pall BC1B) (group A, n=29) or to receive standard blood cardioplegia (group B, n=29). Peri-operative mortality and morbidity as well as haemodynamical and biochemical parameters were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: No early death occurred. There were no statistical differences in clinical data between the groups. Only cardiac index measured 24 hours after declamping of aorta was significantly higher in group A than in group B (3.6+/-0.6 l/min/m(2) vs 2.95+/-0.45 l/min/m(2), p<0.05). Group B showed significant higher release of creatine kinase (CK) 6 and 12 hours, and CK-MB 6, 12, and 24 hours after unclumping the aorta whereas troponin I level was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia during elective CABG did not improve the early outcome.     

Coronary artery bypass surgery in patients aged 80 years or older

Between August 1980 and January 1986, 23 patients aged 80 years or older underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations. These patients had a higher incidence of severe left main coronary artery narrowing (p less than 0.0001), 3-vessel coronary artery disease (p less than 0.05) and moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction (p less than 0.05) than patients in the Coronary Artery Surgery Study registry older than 65 years. Of 14 patients undergoing elective simple CABG procedures, none died; of 19 elective cases overall, 2 patients died (11%). Three of 4 patients undergoing emergency procedures (75%) and 4 of 6 patients (67%) requiring intraaortic balloon counterpulsation died. Significant complications occurred in 9 of 18 survivors (50%). All operative survivors improved at least 1 New York Heart Association class, with a mean classification improvement of 3.7 to 1.6 (p less than 0.0001); 13 of 16 long-term survivors were in class I or II. Actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years is 94% and 82%, respectively. CABG can be performed electively in octogenarian patients with increased but acceptable mortality and morbidity risks. Functional improvement and long-term survival are excellent.     

主动脉内球囊反搏应用于冠状动脉旁路移植术的体会

目的探讨主动脉内球囊反搏（IABP）在冠状动脉旁路移植术的应用效果。方法对7例冠状动脉旁路移植术患者围术期应用IABP，监测使用IABP前和使用后2h、撤机前的血流动力学变化。结果使用主动脉内球囊反搏后，收缩压（SBP）、平均动脉压（MAP）、中心静脉压（CVP）、心排指数（CI）和每小时尿量均有明显改善（P〈0．05）。结论在冠状动脉旁路移植术中及时进行主动脉内球囊反搏，能够帮助高危患者平稳度过围术期。     

Coronary revascularization: influence on ventricular arrhythmias

Myocardial ischemia may cause severe cardiac arrhythmias. In the present study, the influence of revascularization on ventricular arrhythmias was investigated. A total of 68 patients (61 male, 7 female; mean age 53 years) with coronary artery disease was divided into three groups: Group A (21 patients) underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA); Group B (37 patients) had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); and Group C were 10 patients who served as controls, who had simple coronary angiography. All patients had a Holter ECG on the day before angiography. PTCA patients and controls were restudied on the day after the procedure, while in Group B, Holter ECG was repeated three weeks after surgery. Groups A and B were again studied 18 months after the first Holter ECG. The PTCA group showed a slight reduction in complex arrhythmias immediately following PTCA, which increased again after 18 months; the CABG group, however, revealed a significant increase in complex arrhythmias three weeks after bypass surgery, but a decrease after 18 months. There was no significant change in the control group before or after angiography. Thus, successful revascularization has no influence on ventricular arrhythmias after 18 months.