[Coronary reoperation--selection of conduit material and management of stenotic vein graft]

We have operated upon 30 cases of coronary reoperation during the past 12 years. The mean interval between the two operations was 46 months. The mean follow-up after reoperation was 61 months. The major reasons for reoperation were graft failure from technical problems in early and time-related degeneration in graft and native coronary progression in late cases. We aggressively have replaced the stenotic and obstructed vein graft with the arterial graft at reoperation since 1990. Hypoperfusion syndrome is clinical entity reported secondary to inadequate flow via the internal thoracic artery. For patients with atherosclerotic vein grafts to the LAD, the minimal manipulation of the old vein graft, adding the IMA graft to the LAD and leaving the stenotic vein graft intact appear to be safe and better procedure for long-term results. There were no operative and hospital death. Five and 10 years survival rate were 100% and 90% respectively. Five and 10 years event free rate were 92.1% and 82.9% respectively. The outcome of reoperation was satisfactory.