Aero-medical assessment of military aviators with coronary heart disease after percuteneous coronary artery stents

TIANJian-wei; LIUyan; HUANG Cong-chun; PIAOLong-song; WANGJun-hua; LUOHui-lan; WANGJian-chang

Abstract：Objective We aimed to study the principles and methods of aero-medical assessment of military aviators with coronary heart disease (CHD) after percuteneous coronary artery stents. Methods Clinical data about 7 military aviators of low performance aircrafts with CHD diagnosed by coronary angiography and performed with percuteneous coronary artery stents was analyzed. These aviators were followed up to further establish the principles of aero-medical assessment for their re-flying.Results 7 aviators aged from 41 to 55 years old,including 3 cases with latent coronary heart disease,2 cases with unstable angina,1 case with anterior wall acute myocardial infarction and 1 case with extensive anterior wall acute myocardial infarction.There were 4 cases with single-vessel lesion (including 1 bifucationg leision),1 case with two-vessel lesion and 2 cases with three-vessel lesion.These aviators were all performed with percuteneous coronary artery stents and implanted 1-5 stents.After stent implantation,they were regularly treated with statins,aspirin,clopidgrel and beta-blocker after stents.After 1 month recovery and 6 month follow-up,ECG,treadmill exercise testing,ECT treadmil exercise testing,Holter and coronary angiography were done in these aviators.4 aviators with good cardiovascular function and well controlled risk factors return to flight under medical monitoring.With 22~48 months follow-up,they flew 120~400 hours per-year with good flying tolerances.Conclusion Military aviators of low performance aircrafts can return to flight under medical monitoring after complete revascularization by stents with good cardiovascular function,and well-controlled risk factors.