[Changes in the unmodified vessels after aortocoronary bypass surgery]

In a prospective study (238 men, mean age 53 years) the changes of the native vessels were studied 3 months after a-c-bypass operation and 5 months after preop. angiography. Progression was defined as increase of stenoses of at least 20% or new total occlusion. Progression was significantly more frequent in vessels with than without bypass and was located proximally to the anastomoses in most cases, less frequently at the anastomoses and very rarely distally to the anastomoses. Proximal progression was significantly more frequent with patent than with occluded bypasses. Stenoses at the anastomoses were significantly more frequent with occluded than with patent bypasses. Stenoses of higher degrees had a stronger tendency for progression than slighter stenoses. Regression was rare and nearly always caused by surgery.