Objective: Results of synchronous combined revascularization were examined in specific patient groups with coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.
Methods: Between 1.1.1980 and 31.12.1998, 408 patients underwent a synchronous combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA)+myocardial revascularization (CABG). In 259 (63.5%) patients, carotid disease was asymptomatic. Remaining patients presented with a previous stroke (n=35) or a transient ischemic episode (TIA) (n=114). In 245 (60%) patients, carotid stenosis was bilateral (Group A: bilateral > or =80% stenosis, Group B: contralateral occlusion, Group C: contralateral subcritical disease). A synchronous ipsilateral CEA+CABG was performed in all patients with an unilateral disease (n=163) and also in all Group B (n=33) and Group C (n=142) patients with bilateral disease. A simultaneous bilateral CEA+CABG was performed in 12 high risk Group A patients. Remaining Group A patients (n=58), initially underwent an ipsilateral CEA for most dominant lesion+CABG, soon followed by the contralateral CEA. Results were examined in above specific patient Groups.
Results: Overall combined hospital mortality from stroke+myocardial infarction was 2.45%. No independent predictor of stroke was identified. In general, initial prophylactic CEA, subdued the risk of subsequent strokes for 7-8yr. Predictors of a late stroke were: progression of bilateral (P=0.007) and intracranial (P=0.04) cerebrovascular disease. Highest risk of an early stroke was recorded in Group A patients. A composite high risk group of patients with multiple risk factors (n=155) demonstrated a higher risk of both early and late strokes, as compared to the remaining patients (n=253) (P<0.04). Observed risk of early and late strokes, in specific patient groups was lower than standard predictions.
Conclusions: A regular use of combined approach was justified in the above patient groups.