Underwent Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Research Articles

Factors Influencing Mortality After Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Failed Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Background. Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is associated with increased mortality. Methods. From 1981 through 1995, 117 patients at our institution underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 13.6%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors that influenced the risk of death. Results. Univariate analysis revealed that patients who died more often were women and had chronic renal failure, lower ejection fractions, and more diffuse coronary artery disease; less often received an internal mammary artery graft or an antegrade perfusion catheter; required inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory; and experienced myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the need for inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory was the best predictor of perioperative death. Conclusions. Patients with a reduced ejection fraction in whom percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty fails, antegrade perfusion does not produce a response, and myocardial infarction occurs are more likely to die after coronary artery bypass grafting. The risk appears to be highest for patients who require inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea com derivação intraluminal temporária (DILT) na emergência pós angioplastia transluminal coronária (ATC)

From November 1989 through December 1995, eighteen patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). All patients had lesions in the left anterior descending coronary artery, diagonal coronary artery or right coronary artery, when we could reach without using cardiopulmonary bypass. In all cases we used a temporary intraluminal shunt in order to allow perfusion through the coronary artery and prevent ischemic effects. Three (16.66%) patients had myocardial infarction before going to emergency surgery and 4 (22.22%) patients had important ST segment elevation. The cardiogenic shock was present in 3 (16.66%) patients. The in-hospital mortality was zero. We compared the several authors mortality rates and ours by a statistic analysis.

Durability of emergency coronary artery bypass for complications of failed angioplasty

Although emergency coronary artery bypass for complications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has proved to be a relatively successful ‘bail-out’ procedure, little is known about the durability of revascularization under these potentially disastrous circumstances. The authors therefore retrospectively examined their results with this procedure. Emergency coronary artery bypass for complications of PTCA was performed in 112 patients between 1 January 1984 and 19 May 1992. Fifteen patients underwent PTCA for acute myocardial infarction. Eleven patients (9.8%) were stable, and underwent emergency coronary artery bypass after PTCA because of suboptimal angiographic results from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. None of these stable patients died. The remainder of the patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass after PTCA because of ongoing documented ischemia, including cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transit to the operating room in 11 patients (9.8%) and preoperative intra-aortic counterpulsation in 24 (21.4%). The average number of coronary arteries bypassed at emergency coronary artery bypass was 2.2, and 19 patients (17%) received at least one mammary artery conduit. The perioperative incidence of myocardial infarction was 8.9% ( 10 112 ), and the operative mortality rate 8% ( 9 112 ). During follow-up, which averaged 55 months, the survival rate (including operative mortality) was 85% while 98% of patients experienced freedom from reoperative coronary bypass, 89% experienced freedom from myocardial infarction (including postoperative) and 90% experienced freedom from subsequent catheterization or PTCA. In conclusion, emergency coronary artery bypass for PTCA complications successfully avoids subsequent untoward cardiac events. When compared with published results of PTCA without emergency coronary artery bypass, emergency coronary bypass is more reliable for avoiding subsequent cardiac catheterization (with or without PTCA) than PTCA alone.

Durability of Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass for Complications of Failed Angioplasty

Although emergency coronary artery bypass for complications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has proved to be a relatively successful ‘bail-out’ procedure, little is known about the durability of revascularization under these potentially disastrous circumstances. The authors therefore retrospectively examined their results with this procedure. Emergency coronary artery bypass for complications of PTCA was performed in 112 patients between 1 January 1984 and 19 May 1992. Fifteen patients underwent PTCA for acute myocardial infarction. Eleven patients (9.8%) were stable, and underwent emergency coronary artery bypass after PTCA because of suboptimal angiographic results from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. None of these stable patients died. The remainder of the patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass after PTCA because of ongoing documented ischemia, including cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transit to the operating room in 11 patients (9.8%) and preoperative intra-aortic counterpulsation in 24 (21.4%). The average number of coronary arteries bypassed at emergency coronary artery bypass was 2.2, and 19 patients (17%) received at least one mammary artery conduit. The perioperative incidence of myocardial infarction was 8.9% (10/112), and the operative mortality rate 8% (9/112). During follow-up, which averaged 55 months, the survival rate (Including operative mortality) was 85% while 98% of patients experienced freedom from reoperative coronary bypass, 89% experienced freedom from myocardial infarction (including postoperative) and 90% experienced freedom from subsequent catheterization or PTCA. In conclusion, emergency coronary artery bypass for PTCA complications successfully avoids subsequent untoward cardiac events. When compared with published results of PTCA without emergency coronary artery bypass, emergency coronary bypass is more reliable for avoiding subsequent cardiac catheterization (with or without PTCA) than PTCA alone.

Immediate outcome following coronary angioplasty. A contemporary single centre audit.

To study the in-hospital outcome of all coronary angioplasty procedures performed in a single centre over a 1 year period, with regard to angiographic success and the clinical complications of death, myocardial infarction, emergency coronary bypass surgery and abrupt coronary occlusion necessitating reintervention. One thousand one hundred and thirty-three lesions were treated in 970 procedures in 799 patients between October 1993 and October 1994. Clinical, procedural, angiographic and outcome data were entered into a dedicated computer data-base and variables tested with respect to outcome using the chi-square test and univariate and multivariate analysis techniques. Angioplasty was performed for stable angina in 473 (49%) patients, unstable angina in 410 (42%) and 80 procedures were emergency--primary myocardial infarction in 44 (4.5%), shock in two, abrupt closure in 34 (3.5%) and other indications in seven patients. There were 10 (1.0%) deaths and 71 (7.3%) patient were documented to have suffered a myocardial infarction as a result of angioplasty. Nineteen (2.0%) patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass surgery. Age >60 and a type C lesion were found to be associated with angiographic failure. The chance of a complication was increased if the patient was aged >60 years, suffered unstable angina, had an ejection fraction <50%, was treated with a new device or suffered a significant dissection. Despite refinement in techniques and increased experience, coronary angioplasty retains a significant associated chance of angiographic failure. The complication rate remains significant and there has been little reduction in mortality, infarction and abrupt closure rates over the last 15 years. The requirement for emergency coronary artery bypass surgery appears to be diminishing with the introduction of improved bail-out techniques, in particular intracoronary stenting.

Time to reperfusion and other procedural characteristics of emergency coronary artery bypass surgery after unsuccessful coronary angioplasty

A databank search was performed and 148 consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 10.4 years) were identified who underwent emergency coronary artery bypass surgery at the Mayo Clinic between November 20, 1979, and February 12, 1992, immediately after unsuccessful coronary angioplasty. At the end of the angioplasty procedure, there was no anterograde coronary blood flow in the treated artery in 54%, ongoing chest pain in 78%, and hemodynamic compromise requiring intravenous vasopressor therapy in 25% of patients; 127 patients (86%) had at least 1 of these adverse characteristics. After leaving the catheterization laboratory, the median time to arrival in the operating room was 12 minutes. Median time from arrival in the operating room to initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass was 86 minutes, to administration or cardioplegia was 98 minutes, and to removal of the aortic cross-clamp was 135 minutes. In-hospital mortality was 11%, and 18% developed nonfatal Q-wave myocardial infarction. Thus, significant time is required to achieve surgical reperfusion after unsuccessful coronary angioplasty.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients 70 years of age or older: 12 years' experience.

To evaluate the short and long term results of coronary angioplasty in patients aged 70 years and older and identify the determinants of long-term survival. A retrospective analysis of clinical, angiographic, and procedure related variables on a consecutive series of patients. 163 patients aged 70 years and older (mean (range) age 73 (70-83) years; 63% men) who underwent a first coronary angioplasty procedure between 1981 and 1993. Procedural success was achieved in 82% of patients. Four patients (2%) died, three (2%) had a myocardial infarction, and five (3%) underwent emergency coronary artery bypass surgery. Complete follow up data were available for all patients (median (range) 35 (2-146) months). During the follow up period 16 patients (10%) died, two (1%) suffered non-fatal myocardial infarction, and 12 (7%) underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery. A second angioplasty procedure was performed in 24 patients (15%). The cumulative probability of survival was 90.7% at 1 year and 83.4% at 5 years. Survival free from myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, and repeat angioplasty at 1 and 5 years was 68.2% and 56.0%, respectively. Proportional hazards regression analyses identified incomplete revascularisation as the only independent predictor of poorer overall survival (P = 0.04) and event free survival (P < 0.001). At census, of the 143 survivors, 75 (52%) were asymptomatic, 58 (41%) had mild angina, and only 10 (7%) complained of grade III or IV angina. Some 112 patients (78%) improved by at least two angina grades. Coronary angioplasty can be performed safely in the elderly and provides good symptomatic relief and favourable long-term outcome. Complete revascularisation may not be necessary if the primary goal is to achieve symptomatic relief, but incomplete revascularisation is associated with poorer long-term survival.

Coronary artery bypass grafting after failed coronary angioplasty: risk factors and long-term results.

In this case-control study we investigated the preoperative risk factors and long-term results in patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). From January 1990 to March 1993, 56 emergency CABGs (Group A) were performed in patients from 7 different cardiology centres--six of these located outside our hospital within a radius of 19 km-1 h to 114 h (phi 7.3 h) after failed PTCA. No special stand-by was given and patients were operated in the next available theatre. Criteria of anatomically unfavourable stenoses for PTCA were defined as follows: Long stenoses, occlusions of other major vessels, tandem stenoses, stenoses at or near a bend or branch and, finally, eccentric stenoses. Thirty-two percent met one criterion, 35.8% two, 6.9% three and 1.8% four criteria. All patients were examined echocardiographically 14.6 +/- 8.2 months postoperatively. Patients who had been operated on electively within the same period served as a control (Group B; n = 56; case-control study). The patients were matched for age, sex, EF, LVEDP, body surface area, reoperation status, and concomitant diseases. The mortality rate for Group A patients was 10.7% (n = 6); for Group B, 1.8% (n = 1). Five of the Group A patients who died came from our own hospital and only one from a hospital 1 km away (mortality: 14.3% vs. 4.8%). There were no deaths among patients with an anatomically favourable stenosis for a PTCA; in patients with more than one criterion for an unfavourable stenosis mortality increased to 19.0% (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multiple spontaneous coronary artery dissections in a middle aged woman: support for an underlying eosinophilic arteritis predisposing to intimal disruption

A 43-year-old female received tissue plasminogen activator for an acute antero-apical myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated three focal dissections involving the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries. She expired unexpectantly after undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass grafting for therapy of an extension of her infarct. To our knowledge, this is the fourth report of multiple spontaneous coronary artery dissections and the second in which tissue plasminogen activator was administered. The histologic findings and their implications are reviewed.

High frequency rotational ablation: an alternative in treating coronary artery stenoses and occlusions.

To prove the safety and effectiveness of high frequency rotational ablation of coronary artery stenoses and occlusion in humans. 106 patients with symptoms (91 men, 15 women) who had 67 significant stenoses, mainly types B and C, and 46-chronic occlusions. Mean change in diameter stenosis after rotational angioplasty alone and in combination with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty immediately after treatment and 24 hours and six months later; restenosis rates at six months; complication of treatment. Rotational ablation could not be used in five stenoses and 16 chronic occlusions because of inability to reach or cross the lesion with the Rotablator guide wire. In four cases rotational ablation failed. Initial angiographic and clinical success by rotational ablation was achieved in 40 of the 67 stenoses (60%) and in 18 of the 46 chronic occlusions (39%). Additional balloon angioplasty was performed in 45 patients, increasing the success rates to 79% and 54%, respectively. In the 62 stenoses treated by rotational ablation the angiographic diameter stenoses were reduced from 76% (SD 14%) to 32% (14%) after Rotablator treatment alone and from 75% (11%) to 33% (17%) with additional balloon angioplasty. In the 30 chronic occlusions treated by rotational ablation the angiographic diameter stenoses were reduced to 38% (18%). At six months angiographic restenosis was evident in nine of the 25 (36%) stenoses treated with rotational ablation alone, in seven of the 22 (32%) stenoses treated with rotational and balloon angioplasty, and in 14 of the 24 (58%) chronic occlusions. There were no procedural deaths and two patients (2%) underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. Although no transmural infarction occurred, there were five (6%) non-Q wave infarctions (two embolic side branch occlusions, two subacute occlusions, and one acute occlusion). Clinically insignificant slight increases in creatine kinase activity were seen in five patients (6%). Severe coronary artery spasm unresponsive to medical treatment was provoked in seven cases (8%). High frequency rotational ablation is a safe and effective method for treating type B and C coronary artery lesions with results comparable to percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty. The combined use of rotational ablation and balloon angioplasty is feasible and is necessary in about half of all procedures, in most cases because the lumen created by the biggest burr is too small.

Changing patterns of patients undergoing emergency surgical revascularization for acute coronary occlusion: Importance of myocardial protection techniques

Between 1977 and 1992 a total of 163 consecutive patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after acute coronary occlusion (94% after failed angioplasty). Patients were divided into four groups according to the method used for myocardial protection. The crystalloid cardioplegia group included 30 patients operated on from 1977 to 1980; the hypothermic fibrillation group included 60 patients (1980 to 1986); the blood cardioplegia group included 36 patients (1986 to 1989); and the blood cardioplegia with controlled reperfusion group included 37 patients (1989 to 1992). Preoperative data, ischemic time interval, collateral blood flow, intraoperative data, regional wall motion, global ejection fraction, myocardial infarct-specific electrocardiographic changes, enzyme release, rhythm disturbances, mortality, prevalence of intraaortic balloon pumping, and inotropic support were assessed in this retrospective study. Our data indicate that the current spectrum of patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after acute coronary occlusion are at a significantly higher risk compared with those 15 years ago, that is, increase in age (53 +/- 1 versus 59 +/- 2 years; p < 0.05), three-vessel disease (38% versus 3%; p = 0.004), acute occlusion of the left main coronary artery (11% versus 0%; p = 0.02), preoperative cardiogenic shock (35% versus 3%; p = 0.007), prevalence of acute two-vessel occlusion (22% versus 3%; p = 0.05), prevalence of previous infarction (59% versus 23%; p = 0.04), and duration of ischemia (3.0 +/- 0.2 versus 4.1 +/- 0.3 hours; p < 0.05). Despite the increase in patients with severely compromised ventricular function during recent years, the overall hospital mortality decreased to 5% (2/37) when maximal protection of the ischemic and remote myocardium was performed (preoperative intraaortic balloon pump, combined antegrade/retrograde substrate-enriched blood cardioplegia, warm induction, controlled reperfusion, prolonged vented bypass). Single-vessel disease was always associated with a low mortality, whereas mortality could be reduced with controlled blood cardioplegia in patients with multivessel disease (6%) and cardiogenic shock (15%). The immediate return of regional contractility in the previously ischemic area after controlled reperfusion might serve as an explanation for these favorable results. After unmodified blood reperfusion, normokinesis or slight hypokinesis occurs in only 34% to 46% in the early postoperative period (1 to 4 weeks) in comparison with 86% after controlled blood cardioplegia reperfusion (p < 0.05). We conclude that there is a significant increase in risk factors in patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass grafting and that improved methods of intraoperative myocardial protection are needed for these compromised patients.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in New York State

To identify significant independent risk factors for major percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty outcomes. Retrospective analysis using univariate and logistic regression analysis to identify significant independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. All 31 hospitals performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in New York State in 1991. All 5827 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty between January 1, 1991, and June 30, 1991, in New York State. In-hospital mortality, major complication(s) (in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, and/or emergency coronary artery bypass graft), and absence of angiographic success (stenosis reduction of less than 20% on any attempted lesion or residual stenosis of at least 50% on any attempted lesion). Before discharge from the hospital, a total of 37 patients (0.63%) died; 67 patients (1.1%) suffered a myocardial infarction, with a mortality rate of 4.5%; and 97 patients (1.7%) underwent emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery, with a mortality rate of 2.1% (no deaths in 85 patients who were hemodynamically stable and two deaths among 12 patients who were hemodynamically unstable). A total of 187 patients (3.2%) experienced a major complication. Angiographic success was achieved for 88% of all patients. Multivariate analysis found four independent preprocedural variables related to death: female gender, hemodynamic instability, shock, and ejection fraction. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty outcomes in New York compare favorably with other recent results reported in the literature. Several preprocedural variables markedly increase the incidence of adverse events.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients aged 70 years and older: immediate and long-term results

We analyzed all coronary angioplasty procedures performed in patients aged > 70 yr since 1987. There were a total of 92 patients with a mean age of 74 ± 4 yr (range 70–82). The clinical diagnosis was unstable angina in 79%. Single-vessel disease was present in 41%, double-vessel in 29% and triple-vessel in 30% of patients. A left ventricular ejection fraction of < 40% was present in 18 patients. Angioplasty was attempted on one vessel in 52 patients (56%), on two vessels in 29 patients (32%) and in three vessels in 10 patients (11%). Angiographic success was achieved in 96% of stenoses and in 53% of chronic total occlusions attempted. Complete revascularization was achieved in 56% of patients. Complications included three patients (3.2%) who underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 patient (1.1%) who sustained a myocardial infarction and 5 patients (5.4%) who died. During hospitalization, which averaged 3 ± 2 days, 1 patient sustained reversible renal failure and 5 patients required blood transfusion for a large groin hematoma. Clinical success at discharge was 83%. At a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 3–45 months), symptomatic improvement was observed in 59 of the 76 patients who had achieved clinical success, with 42 of these patients (55%) being asymptomatic. The following clinical events occurred: myocardial infarction in 1 patient, new percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in 9 and 3 patients died of cardiac reasons. In conclusion, although the immediate mortality rate seems to be higher and asymptomatic status at follow-up lower than in the reported series of angioplasty in non-elderly patients, coronary angioplasty in the elderly is an effective modality of treatment of angina.

Clinical experience of emergency coronary artery bypass grafting following failed percutaneous transulminal coronary angioplasty

From July, 1981 to December, 1988, 2431 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties were performed on 1901 patients at the Heart Institute of São Paulo University Medical School. Seventy-six patients (4.0 per cent) underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting for failed angioplasty. The incidence of failed angioplasty was significantly higher in the impending myocardial infarction group (11.5 per cent) than in the angina group (4.8 per cent) and the acute myocardial infarction group (1.3 per cent). The mean age of the seventy-six patients was 54.4 years, and 54 patients were male. The operative mortality was 15.8 per cent, being 9 males and 3 females. Patients who had had a left main trunk dissection during angioplasty and those who were hemodynamically unstable following the failed angioplasty or who had had a cardiac arrest necessitating a cardiac massage during transportation to the operating room, had a higher mortality than patients in whom the failure occurred in other sites and those who were hemodynamically stable. Perioperative myocardial infarction was documented in 50 per cent of the patients. Patients who had had a cardiac arrest during the procedure had a higher rate of perioperative myocardial infarction than those whose preoperative hemodynamic condition was stable.

At medium term follow-up (3.4 ± 2.4 years, range two months to eight years) there was one late death in each group, and seven patients in each group had return of angina or congestive heart failure. Twenty-one patients in the emergency group and 22 patien

The clinical characteristics, perioperative complications and medium term outcome were analysed for patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) following failed coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Seven hundred and twenty PTCAs were performed from June 1981 to June 1989, of which 30 (4.2%) resulted in CABG within four hours of PTCA. The perioperative course and follow-up were compared to 30 patients undergoing elective CABG, matched retrospectively for age, sex, month of operation and number of grafts. The emergency group had a tendency to more post operative bleeding, but no increased incidence of early reoperation for bleeding, and had a high incidence of periprocedural Q wave infarction (20% vs 3%, p less than 0.05). The emergency group had shorter bypass time and decreased use of the internal mammary artery (7% vs 50%, p less than 0.05). There was one in-hospital death in the emergency group. At medium term follow-up (3.4 +/- 2.4 years, range two months to eight years) there was one late death in each group, and seven patients in each group had return of angina or congestive heart failure. Twenty-one patients in the emergency group and 22 patients in the elective group were asymptomatic on no cardiac medications. We conclude that patients with failed PTCA requiring emergency CABG are more likely than an elective group to have post operative bleeding but no increased risk of early reoperation, and have a higher incidence of perioperative Q wave infarction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Long-term outcome of unsuccessful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

We analyzed the long-term outcome of 198 patients after unsuccessful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Forty-nine percent underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, 17% had elective bypass surgery, and 34% were treated medically. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4%, and myocardial infarction occurred in 36% of patients. Follow-up was completed in 100% of patients with a mean follow-up period of 35 +/- 22 months. Actuarial cardiac survival at 4 years was 97% in the emergency bypass surgery group, 100% in the elective bypass surgery group, and 86% in the medically treated group. Actuarial event-free survival (freedom from myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, and cardiac death) at 4-year follow-up was 81% in 198 patients, 90% in the emergency bypass surgery group, 85% in the elective bypass surgery group, and 65% in the medically treated group. Results of multivariate analysis showed that emergency or elective bypass surgery after failed coronary angioplasty, normal or mildly impaired left ventricular function, and male sex were predictors of better outcome at 4 years.

Studies on prolonged acute regional ischemia: VI. Myocardial infarction with left ventricular power failure: A medical/surgical emergency requiring urgent revascularization with maximal protection of remote muscle

Eighty consecutive patients receiving maximum inotropic and intraaortic balloon support underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting 3.4 +/- 1 days (mean +/- standard error) after infarction for severe left ventricular power failure (stroke work index less than 25 gm-m, left atrial pressure greater than 20 mm Hg). All underwent induction of cardioplegia with a 37 degrees C glutamate/aspartate blood cardioplegic solution, multidose cold (4 degrees C) replenishment, and warm reperfusate. Viable areas were grafted first to ensure cardioplegic distribution. Left ventricular power failure was reversed in 94% of patients; 75 of 80 patients had discontinuation of inotropic drugs and intraaortic balloon support. The early mortality rate (less than 30 days) was only 7% (3/45) with early operation (less than 18 hours) and rose to 31% (11/35, p less than 0.05) if operation was delayed more than 18 hours. Six of 14 early deaths were due to progression of preoperative organ failure despite reversal of shock. Eighteen of 66 early survivors died of end-stage heart failure (21/80), a 26% late mortality rate. Nonsurvivors (early and late) had a higher incidence of extending versus evolving infarction (33/64 versus 2/16, p less than 0.05), a longer delay from shock to operation (11/45 versus 24/35, p less than 0.05), more preoperative organ failure (9/9 versus 26/71, p less than 0.05), and a greater incidence of previous infarction (22/43 versus 13/37, p greater than 0.05). Thirty of 45 late survivors (67%) remain physically active. We conclude that left ventricular power failure should be considered a medical/surgical emergency that necessitates prompt angiography and can be reversed in selected patients. Postoperative mortality (early and late) is due principally to delay of operation leading to progression of preoperative organ failure or progression of underlying cardiac disease if infarction becomes established.

Disrupted coronary artery caused by angioplasty: Supportive and surgical considerations

Of 2,859 patients having percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, 201 (7%) underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. Two categories of patients were reviewed. Group 1 consisted of 126 patients of 2, 304 who had immediate coronary artery bypass grafting after failed elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Ninety-eight of these patients had angiographic evidence of occlusion of a coronary artery, and 28 had angiographic evidence of coronary artery dissection. Epicardial hemorrhage was observed at operation in 20% (25 patients). Three deaths (2.4%) occurred in group 1, and an average of 3.3 grafts was performed per patient. Group 2 comprised 75 of 555 patients who had unsuccessful attempted percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty during an evolving myocardial infarction and required immediate coronary artery bypass grafting. Angiography revealed coronary artery occlusion in 61 patients with dissection in 14. All group 2 patients had evidence of myocardial injury by electrocardiographic and enzymatic (myocardial-specific isoenzyme of creatine kinase) criteria. Three deaths (4%) occurred in this group, and there was an average of 3.4 grafts per patient. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is routinely performed without surgical consultation, although an operating room and team are usually available. Supportive techniques include the intraaortic balloon pump and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass. In those patients with coronary artery dissection, care must be taken to reestablish the true lumen of the coronary artery. Hemopericardium should be surgically explored and broken guidewires or other foreign bodies or debris removed. From 1979 through 1986, the number of patients requiring emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty steadily declined to less than 5%.

Emergency surgical revascularization following coronary angioplasty: evaluation of operative results by isoenzyme analysis and electrocardiography.

Seventeen patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting due to balloon catheter induced occlusion or dissection of a major coronary artery. Patients were revascularized within a maximum of 210 min from the onset of ischaemia and received an average of 1.6 distal anastomoses. A perioperative transmural or non-transmural myocardial infarction as diagnosed by CK-MB activity and electrocardiographic patterns occurred in 7 patients (41.2%). One early death resulted in an overall perioperative mortality of 5.9%. Successful preservation of myocardium was demonstrated in 10 patients by a rapid decline of CK-MB activity, no perioperative electrocardiographic changes and no requirement for inotropic support. The incidence of a perioperative myocardial infarction was independent of the anginal status before coronary angioplasty or the angiographic evidence of a complete occlusion versus a dissection. Major ischaemic myocardial complications associated with coronary angioplasty are rare but frequently catastrophic events. Fast surgical intervention is mandatory to prevent myocardial infarction or to limit the extent of injury. The operative outcome can be evaluated by careful analysis of time release curves and cumulative parameters of CK-MB activity.

Emergency Coronary Bypass for Cardiogenic Shock

Emergency coronary bypass for cardiogenic shock has been associated with a high operative mortality. From January 1983 through March 1986, 69 patients at Crawford W. Long Hospital underwent emergency coronary artery bypass. Seventeen of 69 were in shock, 15 with hypotension requiring treatment (intra-aortic balloon pump in 10; catecholamines in six). The other two patients had a low cardiac index and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure greater than 25 mm Hg. Of these patients, nine presented with acute infarction, four with failed angioplasty, and four with uncontrollable angina. Four patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After operation, 94% of the patients required catecholamine support and 71% were treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump. There were two hospital deaths (12%). The median postoperative stay for survivors was 9 days. Major complications occurred in 47%. Follow-up (100%, mean 20.5 months) revealed no late deaths, a 3 year survival of 88 +/- 8%, and a functional class of I in six patients, II in seven patients, and III in two patients. The nine patients who were working before operation all returned to work. Of the 52 emergency coronary bypass patients without shock, one patient died in the hospital (2%), 52% required catecholamines (p less than .05 vs shock group by chi-square analysis), and 12% required an intra-aortic balloon pump after operation (p less than .05 vs shock group by chi-square analysis). Median stay was 8 days. Complications occurred in 13% (p less than .05 vs shock group by chi-square analysis). Three year survival was 91 +/- 4%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)