An acute re-angiography demonstrated graft failure or incomplete re-vascularization in the majority of patients with myocardial ischaemia early after CABG. Re-operation for re-re-vascularization was performed with low risk. Few patients with circulatory collapse could be saved by an immediate re-operation without preceding angiography.

En-bloc double-lung transplantation with tracheal and bronchial revascularization using the left internal mammary artery has been performed in 14 Danish patients. Primary healing of the tracheal anastomosis was observed in 12 patients, in 10 of whom a successful revascularization has been verified by angiography. Two patients have been operated recently and not yet examined by angiography. Mucosal necrosis and subsequent development of bronchial stenosis had to be treated by left-sided pneumonectomy in two patients with failed revascularization. All patients were early survivors (1-14 months). We conclude that bronchial revascularization with the internal mammary artery is possible with an acceptable success rate and is associated with primary healing of the tracheal anastomosis. The impact on long-term results remains to be seen.

During the years 1988-1991 6319 patients underwent cardiac surgical procedures in Denmark. In 183 patients (2.9%) with left ventricular failure intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) was used. Four percent of the IABP were placed preoperatively, 86% intraoperatively and 10% postoperatively. Severe complications occurred in 16 patients (8.7%) and were mainly vascular due to limb ischemia. The incidence of complications was independent of the duration of balloon pumping. Sixty percent of the patients were weaned from IABP. The 30-day mortality rate was 54%. During the observation period we found a gradual decrease in the use of IABP as well as a reduction in mortality.