The value and conduct of reoperations for coronary atherosclerosis.
The best advice for the referring physician is to find a surgical team skilled and experienced in the treatment of reoperation patients. The cardiologist and surgeon should select patients carefully, prevent complications by good technique and management, and use internal thoracic arteries whenever feasible. The reoperation must be planned and conducted precisely. Coronary artery reoperations are extensive procedures, and patients should be fully informed of the benefits and risks. Experience has resulted in fewer technical accidents today, more complete revascularization, greater use of arterial grafts, and improvements in blood conservation and myocardial protection. As a consequence, the operation is safer, and under proper conditions, stands to afford greater and longer benefit.
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
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D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000401:mortality; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D012086:Reoperation / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors