Role of angioplasty in patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery.

ABSTRACT

Fifty-nine patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) underwent coronary artery or vein graft angioplasty following a recurrence of symptoms, 141 lesions were attempted in 70 procedures. The overall angiographic success rate was 77%. Some angiographic success was achieved in 83% of patients. Complications included myocardial infarction in three (4.3%), death in one (1.4%), and iliac artery thrombosis in one (1.4%). No patients were referred for urgent surgery. Twenty-eight patients have undergone repeat coronary arteriography after 7.5 +/- 2.6 months (mean +/- SD), and 31% of lesions have recurred. Fifty-eight percent of patients without recurrence at follow-up continue to have improved symptoms. Treadmill exercise time was significantly prolonged in patients in whom all attempted lesions had been successfully dilated and in those in whom only some lesions were dilated. Our experience suggests that approximately 29% of patients with recurrence of angina following CABG may be suitable for angioplasty.