Concomitant aortic root remodeling and coronary bypass in a patient with poor left ventricular function.

A 58-year-old man who had previously undergone rectal cancer surgery and who had poor left ventricular function underwent concomitant aortic root remodeling and coronary bypass for aortic root aneurysm with aortic regurgitation and severe coronary artery disease. Intermittent retrograde cold blood cardioplegia and leukocyte-depleted terminal blood cardioplegia were used for myocardial protection. Angiographic studies 1 month after surgery showed improved left ventricular function at an ejection fraction from 24 to 46%. During a 1-year follow-up, he has remained free of any cardiac event. Even though this report is limited to a case and follow-up, this technique is expected to be beneficial even in patients with severely depressed left ventricular function when the postoperative quality of life is considered.