[Comparative characteristics of gas and mechanical endarterectomy based on light and scanning electron microscopy].

A portion of a coronary artery removed at mechanical or gas endarterectomy shows the intima, internal elastic membrane and part of the media. After gas endarterectomy, the vascular "mould" is cone-shaped and pointed, resembling the main arterial trunk with lateral branches, whereas its surface is smooth. After mechanical endarterectomy, the main trunk "mould" may have no lateral branches, while its surface is rough.