PERIOPERATIVE MYOCARDIAL INFRACTION

T he goals of coronary artery surgery include not only relief of angina and prolongation of life, but also preservation of myocardial function. Poor ventricular function is a strong predictor of operative mortality and long-term survivial after coronary artery surgery.’ Thus, it is not surprising that some studies have suggested that perioperative myocardial infarction (POMI) is associated with greater operative mortality rates and reduced long-term survival?3 As such, an understanding of the factors predisposing to POMI, as well as the methods for minimizing its occurrence, are necessary for clinicians to reduce the incidences of morbidity and mortality after coronary artery surgery.