[Profil and course of complete obstruction of 3 coronary trunks]

Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|July 1, 1975
PubMed

Insights

Patients with complete obstruction of three major coronary arteries have a poor prognosis. Early surgical intervention is recommended for significant three-vessel coronary artery disease to improve survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Context:

  • Coronary arteriography identified 12 patients (0.3%) with complete obstruction of three major coronary arteries.
  • Clinical presentations varied, with many not exhibiting typical angina or dyspnea despite previous myocardial infarction or heart failure.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the clinical manifestations, outcomes, and treatment efficacy for patients with complete three-vessel coronary artery obstruction.

Summary:

  • Resting EKGs were abnormal in most patients, and half had elevated end-diastolic pressure and impaired left ventricular contraction.
  • Surgery in 7 patients resulted in one operative death, but a 20% yearly mortality rate was observed over 3 years.
  • This high mortality and functional impairment suggest considering surgery before complete obstruction in significant three-vessel coronary artery disease.

Impact:

  • The findings underscore the critical need for timely surgical intervention in patients with severe three-vessel coronary artery disease to enhance long-term survival.
  • A 10% yearly mortality rate in triple vessel obstruction cases further supports surgical consideration, contingent on good distal runoff and left ventricular function.

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