[Post-cannulation stenosis of the left coronary artery trunk. 5 operated cases]

The authors report five cases of stenosis of the trunk of the left coronary artery following cannulation of the coronary artery, and discuss the types of lesion, and whether they exist as an entity. The morbidity of these lesions, and the threat of sudden death which they pose, indicates an aggressive treatment plan: - definite angina occurring 2 to 6 months after aortic surgery (under coronary artery perfusion) is an indication for urgent coronary arteriography; - this investigation must be followed by a revascularization procedure within a few days if it shows a tight stenosis of the coronary trunk. The constant finding of a good vascular bed distally would seem to presage good long-term results.