Routine Coronary Angiography Prior to Elective Aortic Reconstruction

Routine coronary angiography to determine the prevalence of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) has been recommended to all patients under consideration for elective peripheral vascular reconstruction at the Cleveland (Ohio) Clinic since April 1978. Those found to have severe, correctable CAD have been advised to undergo myocardial revascularization prior to performance of elective peripheral vascular operations. Forty-one of the 68 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and 26 of the 71 patients with aortoiliac occlusive arterial disease (AI) had clinical evidence of CAD; coronary angiography demonstrated severe, correctable CAD in 23 patients with AAA and in 14 patients with AI. Twenty-seven patients with AAA and 45 patients with AI had no clinical evidence of CAD; severe, correctable CAD was found in six patients with AAA and in six patients with AI. Ninety-six patients, including 26 who had staged cardiac procedures performed, have had elective aortic reconstruction, with one operative death.