[Emergency coronary surgery after transluminal coronary angioplasty]

Twenty-five patients underwent emergency coronary arterial bypass surgery immediately after attempted percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The average time between the onset of PTCA complication and revascularization was 90 min (30-120 min). The surgical indications, the anaesthesia and the perioperative intensive care were analysed. No acute complication was observed during the anaesthesia. Peroperative findings defined two groups: the first "organic" (coronary arterial dissection and/or occlusive coronary thrombi; n = 15), the second "functional" (coronary arterial spasm; n = 10). The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the "organic" group. In this group, at the end of the cardiopulmonary bypass, a higher number of patients required circulatory assistance and/or an antiarrhythmic agent, as well inotropic drugs.