Atraumatic evaluation of myocardial revascularization procedures with 43K1

Least-squares regression analysis was computerized to provide functional color images of myocardial perfusion patterns. In 8 of the 9 patients studied, changes in pattern indicated that the revascularization procedure speeded the appearance time and/or net rate of 43K uptake. The functional images correlated well with coronary arteriograms made before and after surgery. This noninvasive isotope technique may prove to be clinically useful in (a) evaluating coronary artery disease, (b) defining the remaining viable myocardium when an aneurysm is present, and (c) determining the effectiveness of the revascularization procedure.