Improved stress test results after multiple coronary grafting.

Compared with previous reports that have addressed the issue of preoperative and postoperative stress testing in coronary artery bypass grafting, our results show a 30 percent improvement in the conversion rate from abnormal to normal. In a group of patients with severe coronary artery disease, we have been able to obtain normal stress test results postoperatively. Modern surgical techniques, including the use of blood cardioplegia and other methods of myocardial preservation, have allowed for safety in doing adequate grafting. From our population, we identified a select group of patients (approximately 30 percent) who require 6 or more grafts for complete revascularization. Although our follow-up of 30 months is relatively short, we are encouraged by the results so far. We believe that more than 90 percent of patients can be converted to normal postoperative stress test results after adequate coronary artery bypass grafting.