Surgical priorities in the management of arteriopaths.

Coronary artery disease and its complications remain the leading cause of death in Western society. With an ageing population there is an increasing number of patients with severe multilevel atherosclerosis. Atheromatous disease affecting the coronary, carotid, abdominal aorta and peripheral vasculature may co-exist, and vascular surgical reconstruction is commonly indicated to more than one site. The investigation and sequence of surgical interventions to minimize morbidity and mortality in this group of patients are discussed.