Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery with preserved left ventricular function

Two patients with total occlusion of the left main coronary artery and well preserved left ventricular function are reported. Twenty one similar cases have been reported in the world literature. All the patients had angina pectoris. Twenty one of the 23 patients (including our cases) underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery while the other two received medical treatment. All are alive for a follow-up period of 0.4-67 months. It is concluded that in patients with chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery and well preserved left ventricular function, collateral flow is always extensive but insufficient to prevent angina. Functional status is greatly improved by surgery, although survival is excellent in both treated and non-treated surgically patients. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.