A surgical approach to coexistent coronary and carotid artery disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the early results of combined coronary artery bypass graft surgery and carotid endarterectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective and ongoing analysis of patients who underwent combined coronary artery bypass graft surgery and carotid endarterectomy.

SETTING

Cardiothoracic unit in a London teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

From June 1987 to March 1995, 64 patients were identified. They were patients who were scheduled to have coronary artery bypass graft surgery or required urgent coronary revascularisation and who were found to have significant coexistent carotid disease. (Unilateral carotid stenosis > 70%, bilateral carotid stenosis > 50%, or unilateral carotid stenosis > 50% with contralateral occlusion.)

INTERVENTIONS

Both procedures were performed during one anaesthesia: the carotid endarterectomy was performed first without cardiopulmonary bypass. After completion of carotid endarterectomy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of stroke, transient ischaemic attack, and myocardial infarction in the early postoperative period was analysed.

RESULTS

Myocardial revascularisation was successful in all 64 patients. There were no perioperative infarcts. In three patients (4.7%) a new neurological deficit developed postoperatively: two recovered fully before hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined coronary artery bypass graft surgery and carotid endarterectomy were performed safely and with good results.