In a 4 year period (1984-1987) 427 patients (313 males and 114 females, mean age 61.83 years) underwent emergency aorto-coronary bypass procedures. Indications for surgery were unstable angina, requiring intravenous nitroglycerine. 369 patients (86.41%) were class IV NYHA classification and 51.99% were grade III or IV ventricles. 30.44% had main left coronary stenosis. Mean number of grafts was 2.99%. Overall mortality was 7.72% and 17.09% had low output state. Stroke occured in 2.81% and the infarction rate was 16.86%. During the same period 30 patients (16 males and 14 females mean age 64.03 years) with unstable angina and in cardiogenic shock underwent emergency bypass. 86.66% were class IV and 13.33% class III. L. V. grade was IV 56.66% and III 13.33%. 40% had main left stenosis. Mean number of grafts was 2.75. 30% died in the OR and 30% died in 30 days. Stroke occured in 16.66% and 43.33% suffered a myocardial infartion. In conclusion the mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass remain very high. This is particulary so for patients in cardiogenic shock Future developments in cardiplegic method may improve results.
myocardial revascularization; myocardial revascularization