Off-pump Revascularization Research Articles

Long-Term Survival after Coronary Artery Surgical Revascularization-Does Ambient Temperature Matter?

Background and Objectives: The progression of global warming results in an increased exposure to extreme heat, leading to exaggeration of preexisting diseases and premature deaths. The aim of the study was to present possible risk factors for all-cause long-term mortality in patients who underwent surgical revascularization, including an assessment of the influence of ambient temperature exposure. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis included 153 (123 (80%) males and 30 (20%) females) patients who underwent off-pump revascularization and were followed for a median time of 2533 (1035-3250) days. The demographical, clinical data and ambient temperature exposure were taken into analysis for prediction of all-cause mortality. Individual exposure was calculated based on the place of habitation. Results: In the multivariate logistic regression model with backward stepwise elimination method, risk factors such as dyslipidaemia (p = 0.001), kidney disease (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.006), and body mass index (p = 0.007) were found to be significant for late mortality prediction. In addition to traditional factors, environmental characteristics, including tropical nights (p = 0.043), were revealed to be significant. Conclusions: High night-time ambient temperatures known as tropical nights may be regarded as additional long-term mortality risk factor after surgical revascularization.

Analysis of the Perioperative Course of Cardiac Surgery Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Valve Dysfunction

The aim. To analyze the perioperative course of cardiac surgery patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart valve dysfunction. Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of 41 consecutive cardiac surgery patients (mean age 61.6 ± 7.8 years) with CAD and heart valve dysfunction who were operated on and discharged from the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. All the patients underwent standard clinical and laboratory examinations, coronary angiography, on-pump cardiosurgical intervention. Results. The patients were divided into three subgroups: patients with post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) combined with insufficiency of atrioventricular valves, n = 15 (36.6%); those with ischemic mitral insufficiency (MI), n = 11 (26.8%); and patients with CAD combined with aortic valve disease, n = 15 (36.6%). During echocardiographic study, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction was found in patients with LVA and with ischemic MI: 33 ± 6.4% and 39.4 ± 7.8%, respectively, and in patients with aortic valve disease, left ventricular ejection fraction averaged 48.2 ± 9.9% (p < 0.0001). According to the EuroSCORE II scale, the average risk was 11.8 ± 7.3%. All the patients were discussed by the heart team to choose the optimal method of cardiosurgical correction. In order to reduce the ischemic time, off-pump coronary bypass surgery was performed at the first stage, and the second stage was on-pump correction of valvular dysfunction. The average number of grafts was 2.8 ± 1.4, but the largest number of grafts was in the subgroup of ischemic MI: 4 ± 0.9 (p < 0.005). Mitral valve replacement in patients with LVA was performed through LVA in 12 patients. Acute heart failure, acute renal failure often developed in patients after correction of ischemic MI (p < 0.005). On the 1st day after the operation, there was an increase in average glucose values from 6.6 ± 2.8 to 10.3 ± 2.9 mmol/L (p < 0.0001), a decrease in glomerular filtration rate from 72.1 ± 15.3 to 57 ± 18.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.0001), the above indicators returned to the initial level at discharge (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. Off-pump myocardial revascularization in patients with CAD and dysfunction of the heart valves can significantly reduce the ischemic time. The method of mitral valve replacement through LVA developed in the department allowed to reduce the perfusion time (p = 0.0023) and the duration of the operation (p < 0.005). Preoperative discussion of examination data of patients by the heart team, thorough preparation for cardiac surgery, timely response to changes in laboratory parameters with correction of drug treatment avoid complications.

Thoracoscopic-assisted, minimally invasive versus off-pump bypass grafting for single vessel coronary artery disease – A propensity matched analysis

ObjectiveThis study compared perioperative outcomes after off-pump revascularization through a thoracoscopic-assisted (non-robotic) minimally invasive approach (Endo-CAB) or sternotomy approach (OPCAB) for patients with single vessel left anterior descending (LAD) disease. MethodsIn this retrospective, propensity matched cohort study, 266 consecutive patients were included in the Endo-CAB group (n = 136) and OPCAB group (n = 130). After propensity score matching 116 Endo-CAB and 116 OPCAB patients were compared. ‘Textbook outcome’ was defined as the absence of 30-day mortality, re-exploration for bleeding, postoperative ischemia, cardiac tamponade, cerebrovascular events, wound infection, new-onset arrhythmias, pneumonia, placement of chest drains and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for textbook outcome. ResultsTextbook outcome occurred significantly more frequent in the Endo-CAB group compared to the OPCAB group (81.9% vs. 59.5%, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery had shorter hospital admission (3.0 [3.0–4.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0–6.0] days, p < 0.001), less blood loss (225 [150–355] vs. 450 [350–600] mL, p < 0.001). Other perioperative outcomes were comparable for both groups. Regression analysis demonstrated that Endo-CAB approach was an independent positive predictor for textbook outcome (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.61–5.66, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur study suggests that patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery have improved perioperative outcome resulting in higher rates of textbook outcome for the treatment of single vessel CAD. This technique could be widely available since routine thoracoscopic instruments are used.

Left main coronary artery disease treated with beating heart surgery: 10-year single center results.

Left main (LM) coronary disease is believed to represent a complex, advanced, and potentially life-threatening atherosclerotic syndrome that can be treated by either percutaneous or surgical interventions. Despite its satisfactory results, the declined number of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is observed. To compare 10-year survival and point out possible mortality risk factors in patients referred for left main and multivessel OPCAB surgery followed by transit time bypass measurements. There were 159 patients (128 (81%) men and 31 (19%) women) in a median age of 66 (60-70) years enrolled in retrospective analysis who were referred to surgical intervention due to left main (51, 32%) and multivessel (108, 68%) disease. The regression analysis for long-term mortality risk and the Kaplan-Meyer survival curve were analyzed. Multivariable analysis pointed female sex (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14, p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (HR = 6.33, 95% CI: 1.86-21.52, p = 0.003) as possible risk factors for 10-year mortality risk. There was no significant difference in Kaplan-Meyer 10-year mortality comparison between left main and multivessel disease patients treated by off-pump surgical revascularization (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.40-2.13, p = 0.86). Off-pump surgery in the left main disease, compared to multivessel disease, represents a safe surgical technique with satisfactory long-term results. The female sex and diabetes mellitus were found as possible risk factors for 10-year mortality risk in multivariable analysis.

Early results of total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal mammary arteries

Background: The optimal coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) technique is still evolving. This study aimed to evaluate the early results of the total arterial off-pump technique using bilateral internal mammary arteries.&#x0D; Methods: This study was performed from May 2018 to May 2019 at a cardiac surgery center in India. It included 200 patients with coronary artery disease who had off-pump CABG using bilateral internal mammary arteries. The patients had follow-ups for three months. There were 50 females, and the mean age was 50±10 years.&#x0D; Results: Conversion to on-pump was required in one case (0.5%). The use of complete vein grafts was needed in three cases (1.5%), and vein graft extension was done for two cases (1%). Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in one case (0.5%). Postoperative re-exploration for bleeding was done in two cases (1%), and sternal dehiscence or deep infection occurred in two cases (1%). A pacemaker was used in one case (0.5%), and postoperative need for dialysis occurred in three patients (1.5%). No operative mortality or postoperative stroke was reported. Redo surgery was required in one patient (0.5%).&#x0D; Conclusions: Off-pump total arterial revascularization technique using bilateral internal mammary arteries could have an acceptable early outcome.

Urgent robotic coronary revascularization in a pregnant woman

Outcomes of robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting in pregnant women have not been assessed. This study aimed to understand the importance of minimally invasive robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting in pregnant woman with coronary artery disease. We describe the case of a G3P1011 woman at 19+6 weeks' gestation presenting with a non-ST myocardial infarction treated with off-pump hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization. This study describes the surgical approach for a pregnant woman presenting with non-ST myocardial infarction treated with hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization. A coronary angiography demonstrated a culprit lesion of 90% stenosis in the left anterior descending coronary artery and an 80% stenosis in the right coronary artery. Because of the high rate of complications with traditional coronary artery bypass grafting, the heart team opted for hybrid robotic-assisted revascularization and the postoperative recovery was uneventful. Robotic coronary artery bypass grafting can be the preferred surgical choice to decrease maternal and fetal mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and it is an important tool in the surgical armamentarium.

Pre-operative systemic inflammatory response index influences long-term survival rate in off-pump surgical revascularization.

Coronary artery bypass revascularization is still the optimal treatment for complex coronary artery disease with good long-term results. The relation between inflammatory activation in the post-operative period and the long-term prognosis was already postulated. The possible predictive role of preoperative inflammatory indexes after the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting technique on long term survival was the aim of the study. Study population included 171 patients with a median age of 64 years (59-64) operated on using off-pump technique between January and December 2014. Patients enrolled in the current study were followed-up for 8 years. We conducted a multivariable analysis of pre-operative and post-operative inflammatory markers based on analysis of the whole blood count. The overall survival rate was 80% for the total follow-up period, while 34 deaths were reported (30-days mortality rate of 1%). In the multivariable analysis, a pre-operative value of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) >1.27 (HR = 6.16, 95% CI 2.17-17.48, p = 0.012) revealed a prognostic value for long-term mortality assessment after off-pump surgery. Preoperative inflammatory activation evaluated by systemic inflammatory reaction index (SIRI) possess a prognostic value for patients with complex coronary artery disease. The SIRI value above 1.27 indicates a worse late prognosis after off-pump coronary artery bypass (AUC = 0.682, p<0.001).

Ninety-seven cases of experiences with the left thoracotomy approach for off-pump conventional revascularization: a retrospective cohort study.

Minimally invasive coronary surgery-coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) is well adopted in clinical practice. However, this procedure did not really achieve conventional complete revascularization. The present study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of conventional revascularization via the left thoracotomy (8-10 cm) approach. From January 2020 to March 2022, a total of 97 consecutive patients who needed coronary artery revascularization were operated on using this technique. The patients' preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were collected. Perioperative variables were compared between the single graft and non-single graft groups. All patients received dual-source computerized tomographic angiography at 1-week postoperatively to evaluate the graft patency and detect pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection. The patients were followed up for 3-27 months. The mean age of the entire cohort was 61.5±8.8 years, there were 16 (16.5%) female patients, and 1-4 grafts were performed per patient. There were no conversions to median sternotomy or on-pump CABG. The average number of grafts was 1.9±0.9, and that of the non-single graft group was 2.5±0.6. Among the 97 included patients, one patient in the single graft group suffered from aspiration pneumonia after a stroke and died. The 30-day mortality was 1.0% (one patient), one patient required re-exploration for bleeding (1.1%), and a total of 191 grafts were performed. All grafts were unobstructed except for one graft to the obtuse marginal branch (OM) (0.5%). Follow-up was performed by phone or via outpatient visits and was available for 92 patients (95%). During the follow-up period, 1 (1.1%) patient suffered an acute myocardial infarction and received percutaneous coronary intervention with no redo-surgery. All patients are alive and angina-free. Left thoracotomy for conventional revascularization is a safe procedure for appropriately selected patients, with few early complications and good early and mid-term results. More cases are ongoing and long-term results are in observation.

Ten-year outcomes after off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: an inverse probability of treatment weighting comparative study.

The debate on the advantages and limitations of off-pump myocardial revascularization (OPCAB) on long-term outcomes has not still arrived to a conclusion. This study was designed to compare the impact of OPCAB vs, on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on long-term mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). The PRIORITY project was designed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of two large prospective multicenter cohort studies on CABG. Data on isolated CABG were linked to two administrative datasets. The inverse probability of treatment weight was employed to balance the treatment groups. Time-to-event methods were employed to analyze endpoints. The cohort consisted of 10 988 patients who underwent isolated CABG (27.2% OPCAB). The median follow-up time was 7.9 years and was 100% complete. Unadjusted long-term survival was significantly worst for OPCAB, confirmed by weighted models (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.14, P = 0.01). OPCAB was associated to an increased risk of MACCE at 10 years (weighted hazard ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.12-1.23, P < 0.001). Inside the MACCEs, OPCAB was significantly related to increased incidence of repeat revascularization (hazard ratio 2.27, 95% CI 1.39-3.85, P < 0.001, in the first 6 months, hazard ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.32, P < 0.001 afterward) and stroke (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.35, P < 0.001). The results of this study suggest that OPCAB was associated with an increased risk of mortality, repeat myocardial revascularization and stroke at 10 years compared with on-pump CABG.

Preoperative Combined Adiposity–Nutritional Index Predicts Major aDverse Cardiac and Cerebral Events following Off-pump coRonary Artery Revascularization (PANDORA): A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Abstract Background The metabolic–nutritional profile of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients can be an important outcome determinant. A high visceral adiposity index (VAI) and a low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have been described to predict major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) in nonoperative settings and poor cardiac-surgical outcomes, respectively. The present study evaluated the MACCE-predictive value of the two indices, in isolation and as a combined adiposity–nutritional index (CANI = VAI/PNI) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Methods The retrospective study was conducted in 1207 OPCABG patients at a tertiary cardiac care center. Thirty-day postoperative data was evaluated for the development of MACCE, defined by any of the following: cardiac arrest, ST-segment elevation myocardial ischemia (STEMI), repeat coronary revascularization, or stroke. The perioperative characteristics of the MACCE and no-MACCE groups were analyzed for the predictors of postoperative MACCE. Results One-hundred thirty-two patients (10.93%) developed MACCE postoperatively. On univariate analysis, age, EuroSCORE II, ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, asymptomatic carotid artery disease, left main (LM) disease, PNI, and VAI predicted MACCE. Subsequent to multivariate analysis, age, EuroSCORE II, and CANI were the independent predictors. The MACCE predictive cutoffs of VAI, PNI, and CANI were 3.2, 38.46, and 0.075 (area under the curve [AUC]; sensitivity; specificity: 0.64; 77%; 81.3%, 0.77; 92.6%, 65%, 0.78; 64.5%; 80.2%, respectively). CANI correlated positively with duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mean postoperative vasoactive inotropic scores (VIS). CANI ≥ 0.075 was also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, low cardiac output syndrome, and acute kidney injury. Conclusions CANI emerged as an independent predictor of MACCE following OPCABG.

On-pump beating heart versus off-pump myocardial revascularization-a propensity-matched comparison.

On-pump beating heart (OP-BH) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often undertaken as an alternative between off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (On-pump CABG), especially in India. However, outcome data following OP-BH surgery is sparse. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of OP-BH CABG with OPCAB. From our institutional database, all patients undergoing OP-BH CABG (n = 531) were identified. A propensity-matched cohort undergoing OPCAB (n = 531) was identified from the database. Nearest neighbor matching technique was used and the groups were matched for variables including age, gender, body mass index, EuroSCORE, history of recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive airway disease, diabetes, pre-op renal impairment, pre-op neurological events, and left ventricular function. The propensity-matched groups were well matched in terms of baseline characteristics. The mean EuroSCORE was 3.17 and 3.20 in the OP-BH and the OPCAB groups. The unadjusted 30-day mortality in the propensity-matched OPCAB group was 2.07% (11/531) while mortality in the on-pump beating heart group was significantly higher at 6.9% (37/531). Multivariate analysis showed that OP-BH CABG was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality as well as major adverse post-operative outcomes including renal, neurological, and respiratory outcomes and post-operative atrial fibrillation. OP-BH CABG is associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to patients undergoing OPCAB.

Gender differences in coronary artery diameters and survival results after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death among men and women. The gender related survival differences following off-pump surgery was the subject of the study with relation to coronary arteries diameters according to sizes of intraluminal shunts applied during surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data of 2,772 patients who were referred for surgical revascularization in our department between 2010 and 2018 with mean follow up period of 76 months. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with off-pump technique (OPCAB) with intraluminal shunts application during each anastomosis.ResultsThe multivariate Cox’s proportional hazards model revealed male sex as significant all-cause mortality risk factor [hazard ratio (HR) =4.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): (3.12–6.83)]. The survival proportion was significantly lower in male than female (73% vs. 94%; P<0.0001) within 130 months of follow up despite favorable results of coronary artery diameters. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) diameters of coronary arteries measured by shunts applied during off-pump revascularization were 1.81±0.28 vs. 1.7±0.26 mm (P<0.0001) for left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis, 1.78±0.27 vs. 1.71±0.29 mm (P<0.0001) for circumflex artery (Cx) anastomosis and 1.77±0.28 vs. 1.72±0.31 mm (P>0.05) for right coronary artery (RCA) anastomosis in men and women subgroups, respectively.ConclusionsFemale sex is associated with better overall late survival following surgical revascularization despite smaller diameters of coronary arteries in direct measurement with the use of intraluminal shunt application.

Anaortic Off-Pump Complete Arterial Revascularization Using Composite LIMA RIMA Y Sequential 5 Grafts in a Patient with Triple Vessel Disease Performed in a Low Resource Country: A Case Report

The use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries to treat coronary artery disease is very less despite of improved long-term survival. In this case report, a patient presented with TVD has been managed with anaortic off-pump complete arterial revascularization (OPCABG) by using composite LIMA RIMA Y Sequential 5 grafts to achieve complete arterial revascularization successfully. This type of operative procedure is technically difficult in a resource poor country like Bangladesh. However, this has been done by a group of young cardiac surgeon. During follow up, the patient is in a good condition.

Urgent Off-Pump Revascularisation in ACS and Cardiogenic Shock with Anomalous Origin of Right Coronary Artery from Left Anterior Descending Artery: A Case Report

A 55-year-old female known case of essential hypertension and diabetes was brought to the Emergency Department in a drowsy state with cardiogenic shock. At presentation systolic BP was 70 mm Hg, pulse rate was 44/min and random blood sugar was 239 mg/dl. Troponin I was 8.07. Electrocardiography showed junctional rhythm and bradycardia. Ejection Fraction (LVEF) was 15% - 20%. Coronary angiography was done which revealed single vessel disease in LAD with anomalous origin of RCA from midsegment of LAD. Patient was immediately taken up for Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB). Right saphenous vein graft was harvested and anastomosed proximally to aorta and distally to LAD on beating heart using Medtronic Octopus heart stabilizer and coronary shunts. Wound closed in layers after achieving complete hemostasis. Patient was taken off ventilatory support on first post-operative day and discharged in a stable condition on fourth post-operative day. Post-operative Echocardiography showed LVEF increased from 15% - 20% at time of admission to 38% and 52% after 3 months and 12 months of surgery respectively.

The association of systemic inflammatory markers with indicators of stress and cardiac necrosis in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and revascularization surgeries.

The aim was to investigate: changes of inflammatory, stress and cardiac response in patients undergoing open heart surgeries up to five days after the procedure; the association between inflammatory, stress and cardiac response and whether changes in a certain marker can predict short-term patient outcome. Ninety patients were divided into three groups, 30 participants each (on-pump,off-pump revascularization and valve replacement group). The following markers were measured:complete blood count, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, leptin, resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), cortisol, CK and hsTnT in 5 points. Resistin increased in all three groups. Lower IL-10 levels were found after the surgery and higher levels of leptin and MCP-1 in the off-pump than in the on-pump group. Off-pump group had higher values of IL-6, IL-10, leptin, resistin and MCP-1 and lower levels of CK and hsTnT 24 after surgery than the on-pump group. We found significant correlation between MCP-1 and resistin. The difference between resistin at time points 2 and 3 significantly predicted transfusion needs; while the difference between CRP and resistin before and at the end of the surgery together with the difference between leukocytes at the end and 24 hours after the surgery predicted the use of inotropic agents/vasopressors. Cardiac surgeries cause an increase of inflammatory, stress and cardiac markers. Only resistin correlated with MCP-1 which confirms the link between resistin secreted form infiltrated macrophages and enhanced release of MCP-1.

Comparative analysis of the immediate results of the off-pump versus on-pump myocardial revascularization in the elderly patients

Aim: To evaluate efficacy and safety of surgical myocardial revascularization with two internal thoracic arteries in the elderly patients and to identify special aspects and immediate results of the interventions on a working heart and with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and on a working heart.Materials and methods: This retrospective single center study included patients over 65 years of age with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with two internal thoracic arteries in a working heart without cardiopulmonary bypass at the Federal Clinical Center of High Medical Technologies of FMBA of Russia from 2015 to 2017 (the study group, n=50) and with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia (the comparison group, n=51). We analyzed demographic characteristics, preoperative state severity, and special aspects of myocardial damage, operational parameters, rates, and structure of postoperative complications.Results: None of the patients died. Median intraoperative parameters in the study group were better than those in the comparison group: blood loss, 300 vs. 800 mL (p&lt;0.001), duration of the surgery, 190 and 240 min (p&lt;0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation, 3 and 5 hours (p&lt;0.001), respectively. Early postoperative acute renal failure was less frequent in the patients who had undergone surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass (median serum creatinine levels 90 vs. 125 µmol/L (p&lt;0.001)). Postoperative complications were observed in the group of patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass: three cases of acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) and one deep wound infection of the sternum. Mean duration of the hospital stay in the patients operated on a working heart without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass was 7 days versus 9 in the comparison group.Conclusion: Myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with lower rates of postoperative complications, decreased duration of the procedure, decreased blood loss, time on mechanical ventilation and acute renal failure rate, which all results in decreased duration of hospital stay. Bimammary myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass could be the method of choice in the elderly patients.

Minimal sternotomy surgery in comparison to standard sternotomy in the coronary bypass Surgery

Background Median sternotomy is the gold standard incision for most cardiac operations. However, with the advent of minimal invasive surgery, a new approach emerged in cardiac surgery named mini-sternotomy and has been successfully used to perform a variety of operations.&#x0D; The aim of this paper is to present our experience of using mini-sternotomy to harvest the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) for off-pump revascularization of the left anterior descending artery (LAD)&#x0D; Methodology Over a 2-year period (October 2012-October 2014), 100 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via conventional median sternotomy (CMS) (n=80) and mini-sternotomy (MS) (n=20). The 2 groups were compared regarding length and difficulty of surgery, postoperative pain and respiratory function, stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), wound infection, shoulder stability and other variables.&#x0D; Results One patient (5%) with LMS was converted into CMS due to inadequate exposure. The blood loss was less in LMS patients. Lung atelectasis and pleural effusions were less in group 2. A higher PaO2, lower PaCO2 and a shorter assisted-ventilation time were observed in LMS group. Early postoperative pain score &amp; analgesic requirements were less in LMS patients and their hospital stay was shorter (4-5 days) than CMS. Moreover, LMS patients could return to their jobs and drove cars earlier than group 2 patients. There were 9 deaths (11.3%) in CMS group vs. one death (5%) in LMS group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p˂0.05)&#x0D; Conclusions This study shows that off-pump coronary surgery through mini-sternotomy incision is feasible and safe.

Total arterial off-pump coronary revascularization: The Holy Grail?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the standard of care for patients with complex multivessel coronary artery disease. However, conventional CABG utilizing left internal mammary artery and supplemental vein grafts performed on cardiopulmonary bypass is marred by questionable long-term patency of vein grafts and risk of neurological injury. Total arterial off-pump CABG is a strategy associated with avoidance of neurological injury and vein graft failure. The aim of this review is to summarize recent evidence on safety and effectiveness of total arterial off-pump CABG. Two key studies have been published recently. One describes a dual inflow technique that achieves anaortic, off-pump complete revascularization using arterial grafts only. The other is single centre study that reports 10-year survival of 89.33%, rate of freedom from repeat revascularization of 91.33% and early stroke rate of 0.9% after total arterial off-pump CABG. Total arterial off-pump CABG with its advantages of improved survival, enhanced freedom from repeat revascularization and low stroke rate can be regarded as the Holy Grail of myocardial revascularization. However, the results of a large, multicenter, prospective trial are required to substantiate this status.

Off-pump Techniques of Surgical Myocardial Revascularization.

Before the advent of CABG, standardized in the late '60s by Favaloro and Effler, patients with myocardial ischemia underwent indirect and heterogeneous off-pump methods of myocardial revascularization. Indirect revascularization, such as periaortic nerve plexus interruption, Vineberg operation, Sen procedure and, less remotely, TMR Laser and stem cell transplantation, represented some of the ways to achieve myocardial revascularization. Nowadays, direct coronary revascularization is the only established technique and may be performed either on-pump or off-pump. The comparison of off-pump and on-pump myocardial revascularization paved the way to an endless debate between the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. In this article, we review the old and current off-pump approaches of surgical myocardial revascularization.

Effectiveness of Saphenous Vein Y-Grafts in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Complete Myocardial Revascularization

BackgroundTo evaluate perioperative and mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease.Material/MethodsSixty patients who underwent off-pump coronary surgery with Y-graft between 2005 and 2016 were enrolled, including 38 patients with natural Y-graft. Sixty patients with multi-vessel lesions in the same period were randomly selected as a control group.ResultsA total of 484 conduits were employed. The intraoperative variables were insignificantly different between groups, but Y-graft group compared with control group had more grafts (4.2±0.84 vs. 3.87±0.85) and anastomoses (6.30±1.39 vs. 5.62±1.15). No patient died during coronary artery bypass grafting and no episode of perioperative myocardial infarction was found. Follow-up duration lasted from 1 to 137 (40.0±27.7) months. No significant difference between Y-graft group and control group was found in Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival rate (93.4% vs. 88.0%) or 5-year survival rate (81.4% vs. 88.0%).ConclusionsSaphenous vein Y-graft is a feasible and safe revascularization strategy for multi-vessel coronary artery disease patients and brings about satisfactory outcomes.