Ten-Year Experience of Coronary Endarterectomy for the Diffusely Diseased Left Anterior Descending Artery
The authors describe a 10-year experience with extended arteriotomy for endarterectomy of a diffusely diseased LAD, using an internal mammary artery for reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 1.1% and postoperative MI occurred in 9%. Survival at 5 years was 89% and freedom from acute cardiovascular events was 74%.
This is an excellent result on a very difficult procedure done off-pump, in majority. I shall congratulate the Sakakibara group for their operative skill, and, superb postoperative managements.