CORONARY-DISEASE AND CAROTID STENOSIS

In around 2.5 % of patients with coronary artery diseases (CAOD), considerably oclusive changes in carotid arteries were also registred at the same time. In the period from March 1982 to February 15, 1993, at the University Clinic of Cardiovascular surgery in Novi Sad, a total of 5,701 patients underwent aortocoronary by-pass (ACBG). In 137 (2.4 %) patients an additionaly endarterectomy of carotid arteries (EAC) were also performed. Bad left ventricle function (EF < 30 %) was registered in 30 pts (22 %). Endarterectomy on one or more arteries had to be performed in 45 % patients because diffuse and distal occlusive changes. Two stage operations were performed in 62 cases. Three stages operations (bilat. EAC) in 24 and simultaneous in 51. Operative mortality (30 days) was registred in 5 (3 %) pts. Neurologic deficit (ND) happened in two (1.4 %) pts, TIA in 3 pt (2.2 %). Comparing our results in simultaneous and stage procedure, operative risk is higher in simultaneous operations, and only in case of unstable angina we prefer simultaneous operations.)J Mal Vasc, 1993, 18, pp. 219-223).