Indication for coronary revascularization in aortic surgery

In order to know how to treat the coronary artery disease in scheduled aortic surgery for aortic aneurysms, a prospective study started about ten years ago using routine coronary angiography (CAG). Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA): CAG was performed in 73 among 143 patients and 18 had significant coronary artery stenoses (CAD), 3 of whom had angina. Concomitant CABG was performed in 2 of 4 patients requiring coronary revascularization (CR) to prevent intraoperative myocardial ischemia. Complications due to CAD were experienced in the 2 patients without CR despite of angina, while patients without angina or with CR had no complication. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Seventy six among 150 patients had CAG, and CAD was found in 38. CR was indicated to 5 of 7 patients with angina. Complications occurred in 2 patients who had not CR in spite of angina. Patients without angina had no complication. Conclusion: 1) Patients who had angina are at high risk for complications due to CAD. 2) Patients with angina and necessity of cardiac arrest during aneurysmectomy should have coronary revascularization prior to aneurysmectomy. 3) Patients without angina are at low risk for myocardial ischemia in the perioperative period of aortic surgery.