The Clinical Spectrum of Coronary Artery Disease and Its Surgical and Medical Management, 1974–1979

The Coronary Artery Surgery Study

Kennedy, J. Ward M.D.
Killip, Thomas M.D.
Fisher, Lloyd D. PH. D.
Alderman, Edwin L. M.D.
Gillespie, Mary Jo M.S.
Mock, Michael B. M.D.

Coordinating Center for Collaborative Studies in Coronary Artery Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Address for correspondence: J. Ward Kennedy, M.D., Cardiovascular Division, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 4435 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98108.

Circulation 66:p III-23, November 1982.

SUMMARY

Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) are used to describe the types of persons who undergo coronary angiography for possible coronary artery bypass surgery, the reasons patients receive coronary bypass surgery, and operative mortality results, as well as changing trends in the therapy assigned. The review is designed to provide background material for those assessing coronary artery bypass technology.