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[Appropriateness of simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary revascularization]
Raoul Borioni1, Ruggero De Paulis, Fabrizio Tomai
1U.O. di Chirurgia Vascolare, European Hospital Via Portuense, 700 00149 Roma E-mail: raoulborioni@alice. it U.O. di Chirurgia Vascolare, Aurelia Hospital, Roma. raoulborioni@alice.it
Insights
Synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a safe procedure for high-risk patients with both coronary and carotid artery disease. Unstable carotid lesions in asymptomatic patients suggest treating stenoses over 75% before CABG.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Context:
- Significant carotid artery disease affects up to 17% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- Optimal management for patients with concurrent coronary and carotid artery disease remains debated.
- This study examines outcomes of synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and CABG.
Purpose:
- To analyze the early outcomes of patients undergoing simultaneous CEA and coronary revascularization.
- To determine the frequency of unstable or ulcerated plaques in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Summary:
- A review of 68 patients (mean age 71.1 years) undergoing simultaneous CEA and CABG between January 2005 and June 2007.
- The combined 30-day stroke/mortality rate was 5.8% (3 deaths, 1 stroke).
- Unstable or ulcerated plaques were found in 60.3% of patients, including 54.7% of asymptomatic individuals with stenosis >75%.
Impact:
- Combined CEA and CABG can be performed safely in high-risk patients with concomitant coronary and carotid occlusive disease.
- The high prevalence of unstable carotid lesions in asymptomatic patients supports intervention for stenoses >75% prior to CABG.
- Carotid artery stenting is cautioned against due to unstable lesions and potential aortic arch atherosclerosis.
Background:
The presence of significant carotid artery disease in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting has been reported to be as high as 17%. The optimal management of patients with significant coronary and carotid artery disease remains controversial. In this study, we analyze our recent experience with patients who underwent synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting.
Methods:
We reviewed the early outcome of 68 patients (56 males, 12 females, mean age 71.1 years, range 53-88 years) who underwent simultaneous CEA and coronary artery revascularization between January 2005 and June 2007. The frequency of unstable or ulcerated plaques was determined in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Results:
Death for myocardial infarction occurred in 3 patients (4.4%). Stroke was found in 1 patient (1.4%). Combined 30-day stroke/mortality rate was 5.8%. The frequency of unstable or ulcerated plaques was 60.3% (41/68). An unstable stenosis was present in 23 out of 42 asymptomatic patients (54.7%).
Conclusions:
Patients suffering from a concomitant coronary and carotid artery occlusive disease represent a high-risk population whose management is still controversial. A modern approach to combined CEA and coronary artery bypass grafting may be safe. The high frequency of unstable carotid lesions in asymptomatic patients suggests to treat every stenosis > 75% in candidates to coronary artery bypass grafting. Carotid artery stenting should be avoided in the majority of cases, considering the possibility of unstable carotid stenosis and the atherosclerotic involvement of aortic arch.
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