Coronary Artery Surgery

The joint workshop between the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society ofCardiovascular Surgery, held October 14-15, 1983 in Innsbruck, Austria, was a unique event. The idea originated in Atlanta, 1982, with C. Hahn and was supported by V. Bjork and N. Browse. H. Denolin and F. Loogen brought added impact from the European Society of Cardiology. The joint workshop specifically emphasized new trends and controversies in coronary artery surgery. The contri- butions appearing in this edition were selected by a scientific committee: H. Deno- lin, H. Kraft-Kinz, F. Unger, F. Loop, L. Cohn, F. Loogen, P. Lichtlen, T. Killip, and F.Kaindl. The specific aim was to evaluate controversial review points in coronary artery surgery. These were covered in six discussions and in nine forums with slide presen- tations. The topics were: 1. Indications for coronary artery surgery 2. Graft patency and long-term results 3. New operative techniques 4. Myocardial preservation and anesthetic management 5. Combined procedures 6. Long-term follow-up Coronary artery surgery is a model for comprehensive cardiology, whereby sur- gery serves as a link between diagnosis and rehabilitation. Because coronary artery surgery has become a routine procedure with standardized techniques, the demand is increasing dramatically as reflected by enormous waiting lists. Hospital mortality can be kept under 1 %, so that the value of this operation can also be discussed with regard to its social and economic aspects. In the majority of cases, patients improve and finally retum to work, finding life most enjoyable again.