Results of reoperation for failed aortocoronary bypass grafts

C. S. Thomas, W. C. Alford, G. R. Burrus, R. A. Frist and W. S. Stoney

Thirty-one patients underwent reoperation for failure of one or more previous aortocoronary bypass grafts. Thirty-nine grafts were replaced. Twenty-four grafts were constructed to vessels not thought to be significantly diseased at initial operation. There were no early or late deaths. Postoperative morbidity was comparable to initial prodecures. Of 24 patients followed up for more than six months., 62% clearly experienced improvement without evidence of perioperative or postoperative infarction. Reoperation for failed aortocoronary bypass grafts can be achieved without excess risk, but with long-term results less optimistic than initial procedures.