Methods: We have analysed the 112 patients who underwent emergent myocardial surgical revascularization between 1994 and 2002. Ninety of the patients (80.4%) were male and 22 (19.6%) were female. The mean age was 58 ± 10 years (36-77). Twelve patients (10.7%) were operated for the acutely evolving occlusion during the cardiologic intervention within the first 6 hours. Eighty patients (75.9%) were operated on with cardiopulmonary bypass. Complete revascularization was performed in 79 (70.5%) patients. Left internal thoracic artery was used in 60 (53.5%) patients.

Results: Mortality was 8% with nine patients. In the postoperative follow up, need for inotropic support occurred in 44 (39.2%), intraaortic baloon pump in 39 (34.8%), perioperative myocardial infarction in 34 (30.4%), ventricular arrhythmias in 22 (19.6%), atrial arrhythmias in three (2.7%) patients. Five (4.9%) patients required angioplasty in the following year.

Conclusions: Despite the frequent need for the inotropic and the mechanical support during postoperative follow up, the encouraging results show that with meticulous intensive care, patients may benefit from emergency surgery.