Abstract
Patients with an aortic aneurysm have a high incidence of coronary artery disease. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has not established as a safe, effective procedure in patients with an aortic aneurysm. From November 1987 to November 1993, 5 patients underwent PTCA prior to aortic aneurysm repair. Three patients had abdominal aortic aneurysm and 2 had thoracic aortic aneurysm. There were 4 men and 1 woman whose mean age was 68 years (range 63 to 76). In 4 patients primary success of PTCA was achieved. The remaining 1 patient failed PTCA and underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery. Early mortality was 0%. All five were followed up after aneurysm repair for a mean of 28 months (range 12-66 months). There was no myocardial infarction or death. These results indicate that PTCA prior to aneurysm repair is a relatively safe and effective procedure, particularly in elderly patients with an aortic aneurysm.
