Experience and early results of second reoperations for coronary artery disease. Should patent vein grafts be replaced during reoperation?

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1994 Mar;107(3):684-9.

Abstract

Reoperation for coronary artery disease has become a routine procedure; however, a second reoperation is exceptional. In this report we describe our experience with 16 patients undergoing a second reoperation for coronary atherosclerosis. The absence of operative mortality is certainly related to the patient selection. The number of patients is still too small to draw major conclusions. Striking, however, is that the first reoperation was usually done for angina because of progression of atherosclerosis in the native coronary system and the second reoperation was done because of graft failure. This experience supports the idea that the replacement of old, even patent, venous grafts and the choice of the best available conduits are of great importance at the first reoperation and may prevent a second reoperation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Bypass*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / epidemiology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / epidemiology
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Internal Mammary-Coronary Artery Anastomosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Reoperation
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Time Factors