[Problems encountered by the anesthetist-intensive care specialist during aorto-coronary bypass surgery].

The authors analysed a series of 400 aorto-coronary bypasses performed between 1970 and April 1978. A notable improvement in the statistics was seen during the second period between 1976 and April 1978. During this period, 248 patients were operated upon with a mortality of 4 per cent. The progress made was in large part attributed to improved preoperative assessment, in particular a complete ventricular assessment, improved peroperative myocardial protection and the use of the intra-aortic counter-pressure balloon and of sodium nitroprussiate.