Coronary artery bypass surgery (Dutch)

Abstract

The results of operation of 316 patients who underwent an aorto-coronary bypass operation are discussed. Preoperatively 60% of the patients were in class III or IV of the New York Heart Association classification. In 97 patients one, in 130 patients 2, and in 79 patients 3 or more vascular grafts were implanted. The hospital mortality was 6.9%, the actuarial chance of survival was 90% per 5 years. In comparison with patients with drug treatment, the expectation of life seems to be better. The postoperative percentage was 7.5. Of the surviving patients 85% are free of complaints or else the complaints are less than before the operation. In a random sample of 86 patients it was found on angiographic follow-up that 85% of the grafts implanted had remained permeable. Aorto-coronary bypass surgery is a safe method which improves the expectation of life; the majority of the patients are free from pain after the operation.