The Medical journal of Australia
-
This paper assesses the results in 543 patients undergoing coronary artery surgery between 1969 and March, 1976. Indications included angina, acute infarction and ventricular arrhythmia, and there were some angina-free patients. Surgical techniques were constantly reviewed and frequently changed. ⋯ The mortality in chronic stable angina (424 cases) was 3%, but as from January, 1975, it has been 2%. The perioperative infarction rate in all groups was 10.7%, and this condition was the most significant cause of perioperative mortality. Modern principles of myocardial protection during surgery have helped to lower mortality and morbidity rates.