Cardiac catheterization in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms: safety, success, and prevalence of coronary artery disease.

Background: Evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD) is recommended prior to surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms. Concerns regarding the use of coronary angiography in this population include safety and the ability to successfully selectively engage the coronary arteries. Additionally, the prevalence of CAD is not well described.