Current Topics in Coronary Research

On March 29-30, 1973, a Symposium on Current Topics in Coronary Research was held at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Its objectives were to define our present state of knowledge and, more importantly, define the basic questions requiring further experimentation in four major areas of coronary research, i.e. Metabolic control of coronary blood flow, transmural myocardial flow gradients, coronary collateral circulation and clinical problems in aortico-coronary bypass surgery. The symposium participants were either research associates, former and present, of Dr. Gregg or recognized investigators with unusual expertise in the problem areas being discussed. Not only were the research achievements clearly presented, but also the relaxed tenor of this small conference encouraged frank discussion and an interchange that is uncommon at conventional gatherings. Not only were the research achievements clearly presented, but also the relaxed tenor of this small conference encouraged frank discussion and an interchange that is uncommon at conventional gatherings. We want to express our sincere appreciation to the Symposium chairman, Dr. David C. Sabiston, for stimulating healthy debate while presiding at the sessions. This volume contains the presented papers and their discussions at the Symposium. Because it is a statement of progress in rapidly moving areas of research, its usefulness to other investigators depends on rapid publication. To achieve this, the papers and discussion received minimal editing. Although one may not agree with all the opinions expressed herein, the editors' and participants' consensus is that these viewpoints are all worthy of consideration and further experimental test.