Single Artery Grafts Research Articles

Immediate Results after Multiple Arterial Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the São Paulo State: Cross Cohort Study.

The short-term results after using arterial grafts still raise questions and doubts for medical society. To compare the immediate outcomes of patients undergoing single arterial graft versus multiple arterial grafts coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Cross-sectional cohort study in the São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery II (REPLICCAR II). Perioperative data from 3122 patients were grouped by the number of arterial grafts used, and their outcomes were compared: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), stroke, acute kidney injury, prolonged intubation (>24 hours), short hospital stay (<6 days), prolonged hospital stay (>14 days), morbidity and mortality. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) matched 1062 patients, adjusted for the mortality risk. After PSM, the single arterial graft group showed patients with advanced age, more former smokers, hypertension, diabetes, stable angina, and previous myocardial infarction. In the multiple arterial grafts, there was a predominance of males, recent pneumonia, and urgent surgeries. After the procedure, there was a higher incidence of pleural effusion (p=0.042), pneumonia (p=0.01), reintubation (p=0.006), DSWI (p=0.007), and sternal debridement (p=0.015) in the multiple arterial grafts group, however, less need for blood transfusion (p=0.005), extremity infections (p=0.002) and shorter hospital stays (p=0.036). Bilateral use of the internal thoracic artery was not related to increased DSWI rate, but glycosylated hemoglobin >6.40% (p=0.048). Patients undergoing the multiarterial technique had a higher incidence of pulmonary complications, and DSWI, where glycosylated hemoglobin ≥6.40%, had a greater influence on the infectious outcome than the choice of grafts.

Vein Graft Use and Long-Term Survival Following Coronary Bypass Grafting

BackgroundAlthough placement of at least 1 arterial graft during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has a proven survival benefit, it is unknown what degree of revascularization with saphenous vein grafting (SVG) is associated with improved survival. ObjectivesThe authors sought to determine whether undergoing surgery performed by a surgeon who is liberal with vein graft utilization is associated with improved survival in patients undergoing single arterial graft CABG (SAG-CABG). MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study of SAG-CABG performed in Medicare beneficiaries from 2001 to 2015. Surgeons were stratified by number of SVG utilized per SAG-CABG into conservative (≥1 SD below mean), average (within 1 SD of mean), and liberal (≥1 SD above mean). Long-term survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared among surgeon groups before and after augmented inverse-probability weighting. ResultsThere were 1,028,264 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing SAG-CABG from 2001 to 2015 (mean age 72.0 ± 7.9 years, 68.3% male). Over time, 1-vein and 2-vein SAG-CABG utilization increased, whereas 3-vein and ≥4-vein SAG-CABG utilization decreased (P < 0.001). Surgeons who were conservative vein graft users performed a mean 1.7 ± 0.2 vein grafts per SAG-CABG, whereas those who were liberal vein graft users performed a mean 2.9 ± 0.2 vein grafts per SAG-CABG. Weighted analysis demonstrated no difference in median survival among patients undergoing SAG-CABG by liberal vs conservative vein graft users (adjusted median survival difference 27 days). ConclusionsAmong Medicare beneficiaries undergoing SAG-CABG, there is no association between surgeon proclivity for vein graft utilization and long-term survival, suggesting that a conservative approach to vein graft utilization is reasonable.

Multiple arterial versus single arterial grafting in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

BackgroundData on long-term outcomes in patients with diabetes receiving multiarterial grafting (MAG) versus single-artery grafting (SAG) are limited. ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to compare long-term outcomes between MAG and SAG for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in patients with diabetes. MethodsPatients with diabetes who underwent isolated CABG surgeries between 2000 to 2016 were identified using the New Jersey mandatory state clinical registry linked with death records and hospital discharge data (last follow-up December 31, 2019). Patients who underwent CABG for single-vessel disease, with only venous conduits, patients with previous heart surgeries, or hemodynamically unstable were excluded. Patients undergoing MAG and SAG were matched by propensity score. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate long-term survival and competing risk analysis was used for secondary outcomes. ResultsOf 24,944 patients, 2955 underwent MAG, and 21,989 underwent SAG CABG. Patients receiving MAG were younger, predominantly men, with a lower prevalence of hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease, and renal failure. MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality compared with SAG in 2882 propensity score-matched pairs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68-0.83); lower risks of repeat revascularization (subdistribution HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97); and composite outcome defined as death from any cause, stroke, postoperative myocardial infarction, and/or repeat revascularization (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.71-0.82). These results were confirmed in subgroup analyses of women, men, age <70 years, and age ≥70 years patients with diabetes. MAG was also associated with lower mortality compared with SAG in patients with diabetes taking insulin in the entire cohort (Video Abstract). ConclusionsPatients with diabetes benefit from receiving MAG over SAG and demonstrated improved long-term survival, and lower hazards of secondary and composite outcomes. Coordinated efforts are needed to offer MAG to patients with diabetes.

Pediatric kidney transplants with multiple renal arteries show no increased risk of complications compared to single renal artery grafts.

Kidney allografts with multiple renal arteries (MRA) are not infrequent and have been historically associated with a higher risk of developing vascular and urologic complications. Reports of kidney transplantation using MRA allografts in the pediatric population remain scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate if transplantation of allografts with MRA with a surgical intent of creating a single arterial inflow using vascular reconstruction techniques when required, and without the routine use of surgical drains or ureteral stents, is associated with an increased risk of complications when compared to single renal artery (SRA) grafts. We retrospectively analyzed all pediatric renal transplant recipients performed by a single surgeon at our center between January 2015 and June 2022. Donor and recipient demographics, intraoperative data, and recipient outcomes were included. Recipients were divided into two groups based on SRA vs. MRA. Baseline variables were described using frequency distributions for categorical variables and means and standard errors for continuous variables. Comparisons of those distributions between the two groups were performed using standard chi-squared and t-tests. Time-to-event distributions were compared using the log-rank test. Forty-nine pediatric transplant recipients were analyzed. Of these, 9 had donors with MRA (Group 1) and 40 had donors with SRA (Group 2). Native kidney and liver mobilization was performed in 44.4% (4/9) of Group 1 vs. 60.0% (24/40) of Group 2 cases (p = 0.39). There were no cases of delayed graft function or graft primary nonfunction. No surgical drainage or ureteral stents were used in any of the cases. One patient in Group 2 developed a distal ureter stricture. The geometric mean serum creatinine at 6- and 12-months posttransplant was 0.7 */ 1.2 and 0.9 */ 1.2 mg/dl in Group 1 and 0.7 */ 1.1 and 0.7 */ 1.1 mg/dl in Group 2. Two death-censored graft failures were observed in Group 2, with no significant difference observed between the two groups (p = 0.48). Our study demonstrates that pediatric renal transplantation with MRA grafts, using a surgical approach to achieve a single renal artery ostium, can be safely performed while achieving similar outcomes as SRA grafts and with a low complication rate.

SINGLE VERSUS MULTIPLE ARTERIAL GRAFTS: COMPARISON OF IN HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Even though not all findings have been equally positive, many retrospective studies seem to have shown an incremental survival improvement by increasing the number of arterial grafts. Multiple arterial (MultArt) grafting is only currently used in a small number of coronary arteries bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries, despite the convincing and comprehensive information in the published literature. The goal of the study is to compare the incidence of in-hospital mortality in patients following CABG with single versus multiple arterial grafts and to evaluate the frequency of single and multiple CABG arterial grafts in patients undergoing CABG for coronary arteries diseases (CAD). Following institutional review board permission, this descriptive case series was carried out at Jinnah Hospital's heart surgery department in Lahore. 250 patients receiving CABG under general anaesthesia were a part of this study. The quantity of arteries grafted was recorded during CABG. It was observed whether there were one or several arterial grafts. A single surgical team carried out every procedure, under general anaesthesia. Patients were moved to post-surgical wards after surgery. Following surgery, patients were monitored there for 7 days. In-hospital mortality is defined as when a patient dies while receiving treatment in the hospital. In this study, inpatient mortality affected 7 (or 5.9%) of patients treated with single grafts and just 1 (or 0.8%) of patients treated with multiple grafts (p=0.022). Patients who received single graft CABG had a considerably greater incidence of in-hospital mortality. The superiority of multiple arterial graft CABG in terms of lower hospital mortality rate was demonstrated by the study's findings.

Abstract 14694: Effect of Saphenous Vein Graft on Multiple Arterial Grafting Survival

Introduction: Saphenous vein graft (SVG) is associated with increased mortality and adverse cardiac events compared to arterial conduits, but uncertainty exists whether its presence would influence the outcome in multiple arterial revascularization (MAG). Hypothesis: That use of SVG adversely affects survival even in the setting of MAG. Methods: All patients undergoing primary isolated CABG between June 2001 to Jan 2020 were identified through a national registry. Exclusion criteria were reoperations, concomitant or previous cardiac surgery, and the absence of arterial grafting. The primary outcome was long-term mortality reported as time-to-event from the date of the operation. We performed a complete case retrospective comparison between MAG and single arterial grafting (SAG). Additional analysis was performed in MAG patients with or without SVG.Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox proportional hazard model were used with significance defined as two-tailed P&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 72,444 eligible patients had 58,629 (80.9%) males with 32,966 SAG (45.5%) and 39,478 MAG (54.5%). Two PSM was used to generate 29,354 matched pairs for SAG vs. MAG and 12,314 matched pairs for MAG with or without SVG. At a mean follow-up duration of 6.7 years, long-term mortality was significantly lower for MAG than SAG (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93). The cumulative Kaplan-Meier survival was 60.6% for SAG and 63.3% for MAG at 15 years postoperative, (P=0.002). In the comparison of MAG with or without SVG, the group without SVG (total arterial revascularization) had a lower risk of late mortality (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.96). The interaction term analysis confirmed a significant effect for the presence of vein graft on the observed mortality when using MAG, (P=0.02). Sensitivity analyses produced consistent outcomes as the primary investigation. Conclusions: Multiple arterial grafting is associated with significantly improved long-term survival compared to single arterial grafting, and when total arterial revascularization was achieved, there was an incremental survival benefit.

Trend and factors associated with multiple arterial revascularization in coronary artery bypass grafting in the UK

Benefits of using multiple arterial grafting (MAG), over single arterial grafting in major adverse cardiac event rates and the need for repeat revascularization, have been widely reported. Several guidelines have recommended the use of MAG in selected patients. We report the trend of MAG in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the UK. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected UK national database in patients undergoing non-emergency, isolated CABG from 1996 to 2018. Patients were divided into single arterial grafting and MAG, and trends in perioperative characteristics were analysed. A total of 336321 patients were included, of whom 284003 (84.44%) received single arterial grafting and 52318 (15.56%) received MAG. The use of MAG after an initial increase from 1996 to 2001, steadily decreased thereafter, particularly in the use of radial artery. MAG was likely to be performed in younger patients [66.72 (standard deviation: 9.22) vs 62.30 (standard deviation: 10.06), P < 0.001] and males (85% vs 81%, P < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the single arterial grafting group was more likely to undergo on-pump CABG (90% vs 69%, P < 0.001), experienced a lower in-hospital mortality (1.1% vs 1.3%, P < 0.001) and incidence of return to theatre for bleeding (2.5% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001). Our data show that the use of MAG in CABG in the UK after an initial increase from 1996 to 2001 steadily decreased thereafter until 2018. This is likely to be multifactorial and a better understanding of the main causes may contribute to establishing the best indication for MAG in everyday clinical practice.

Single vs Multiple Arterial Reconstructions in Living Donor Liver Transplant

It is true that multiple arterial reconstructions are sometimes required in living donor liver transplant (LDLT). However, the best procedure is still controversial regarding arterial reconstruction in liver grafts with multiple arteries. A total of 93 patients, 55 right lobe grafts and 38 left lobe grafts, who underwent LDLT at our university from 2003 to 2017 were enrolled for this study. Regarding arterial reconstruction in grafts with multiple hepatic arteries, the dominant artery was reconstructed first. Subsequently, when both the pulsating arterial flow from the remaining artery stumps and the intra-graft arterial flow by Doppler ultrasonography were confirmed, the remaining arteries were not reconstructed. The patients were divided into the following 3 groups: (1) single artery/single reconstruction (n=81), (2) selective arterial reconstruction of multiple arterial grafts (n=7), and (3) multiple arterial reconstructions (n=5). A total of 12.9% (12/93; right lobe: 2/55; left lobe 10/38) of grafts had multiple arteries. The incidence of multiple arteries was significantly higher in the left lobe grafts (P=.0029). The arterial diameters (SD) of multiple arterial grafts were narrower (2.43 [0.84] mm) than single arterial grafts (3.70 [1.30] mm) (P=.0135). Extra-anatomic arterial reconstruction were frequently required in multiple arterial reconstructions (group 1 and 2 vs 3) (P=.0007). The strategy of selective arterial reconstruction with the above criteria did not negatively affect the rates of biliary complications or the overall patient survival (P=.52). It can be argued that selective arterial reconstructions demonstrated acceptable outcomes in LDLT, provided that the above criteria were satisfied.

Long-term survival after coronary bypass surgery with multiple versus single arterial grafts.

OBJECTIVESThis study sought to evaluate the long-term differences in survival between multiple arterial grafts (MAG) and single arterial grafts (SAG) in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the SYNTAX study.METHODSThe present analysis included the randomized and registry-treated CABG patients (n = 1509) from the SYNTAX Extended Survival study (SYNTAXES). Patients with only venous (n = 42) or synthetic grafts (n = 1) were excluded. The primary end point was all-cause death at the longest follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Sensitivity analysis using propensity matching with inverse probability for treatment weights was performed.RESULTSOf the 1466 included patients, 465 (31.7%) received MAG and 1001 (68.3%) SAG. Patients receiving MAG were younger and at lower risk. At the longest follow-up of 12.6 years, all-cause death occurred in 23.6% of MAG and 40.0% of SAG patients [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.55–0.98); P = 0.038], which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis. MAG in patients with the three-vessel disease was associated with significant lower unadjusted and adjusted all-cause death at 12.6 years [adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI (0.44–0.97); P = 0.033]. In contrast, no significance was observed after risk adjustment in patients with the left main disease, with and without diabetes, or among SYNTAX score tertiles.CONCLUSIONSIn the present post hoc analysis of all-comers patients from the SYNTAX trial, MAG resulted in markedly lower all-cause death at 12.6-year follow-up compared to a SAG strategy. Hence, this striking long-term survival benefit of MAG over SAG encourages more extensive use of multiple arterial grafting in selected patients with reasonable life expectancy.Trial registrationSYNTAXES ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03417050; SYNTAX ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT00114972.

Does Age Affect the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Coronary Bypass Grafting?

The etiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifactorial, stemming from both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors such as age. Several studies have reported the effects of age on various outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This article reviews age-related outcomes of CABG and offers direction for further studies in the field to create comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of CAD. Ninety-two primary sources were analyzed for relevance to the subject matter, of which 17 were selected for further analysis: 14 retrospective cohort studies, 2 randomized clinical trials, and 1 meta-analysis. Our review revealed four broad age ranges into which patients can be grouped: those with CAD (1) below the age of 40 years, (2) between the ages of 40 and 60 years, (3) between the ages of 60 and 80 years, and (4) at or above 80 years. Patients below the age of 40 years fare best overall with total arterial revascularization (TAR). Patients between the ages of 40 and 60 years also fare well with the use of multiarterial grafts (MAGs) whereas either MAGs or single-arterial grafts may be of significant benefit to patients at or above the age of 60 years, with younger and diabetic patients benefitting the most. Arterial grafting is superior to vein grafting until the age of 80 years, at which point there is promising evidence supporting the continued use of the saphenous vein as the favored graft substrate. Age is a factor affecting the outcomes of CABG but should not serve as a barrier to offering patients CABG at any age from either a cost or a health perspective. Operative intervention starts to show significant mortality consequences at the age of 80 years, but the increased risk is countered by maintenance or improvement to patients' quality of life.

Impact of Bilateral versus Single Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting on the Long-Term Survival in Adults: A Systematic Review.

ObjectiveTo analyse the survival of patients who had undergone bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting versus those with single internal thoracic artery grafting from the available literature. Moreover, this study will review the available literature regarding which of the two techniques seems to be the safest with long-term survival and reduced mortality rates.MethodsA literature search of the databases was conducted to retrieve studies that fall under the study design of cohort and randomized controlled clinical trials in English from January 2015 to July 2021. Finally, seven studies were selected: four cohort studies and three other from a randomized trial.ResultsThe cohort studies revealed that bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting is associated with lower mortality rates and better long-term survival outcomes than single internal thoracic artery grafting, while the ART randomized controlled clinical trials showed that there is no significant difference in mortality rates between both the coronary artery bypass grafting techniques. However, all studies concluded that bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting is associated with a higher frequency of deep sternal wound infections.ConclusionThe discrepancy in results between the cohort studies and randomized controlled clinical trial remains persistent. However, the stated advantages of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting are not strong enough to convince surgeons to alter their practice and the wide magnitude of expectations from the ART study was reckoned as inadequate. This may well be due to the presence of limited criteria for bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in identifying the impact on survival of extended arterial revascularization, and there is a new colossal expectation from the ongoing randomized trial based on multiple arterial grafting versus single arterial grafting.

Multiple versus single arterial grafting in the elderly: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score studies.

The benefit of adding a second arterial conduit is still controversial, mainly in specific subgroups. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score (PS) studies comparing survival and early results in elderly patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with multiple (MAG) versus single arterial grafting (SAG). MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were used to find relevant literature (1960-April 2020). Survival at a ≥1-year follow-up and early outcomes were evaluated. Outcomes were collected from matched samples or PS adjusted analysis: hazard ratio (HR) along with their variance, frequencies or odds ratios. Random effect models were used to compute combined statistical measures and 95% confidence intervals (CI) through generic inverse variance method (time-to-event) or Mantel-Haenszel method (binary events). Eleven PS cohorts and 1 RCT comprising >18,800 patients older than 70 (>6200 MAG and >12,500 SAG) were included in this meta-analysis. MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality (pooled HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91, P<0.01, I2=64%) in the absence of higher risk of early mortality (pooled OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.25, P=0.27, I2=0%). In a meta-regression, MAG survival advantage was more pronounced in studies with a higher MAG usage rate (β=-0.0052, P=0.021). Current evidence suggests that advanced age should not limit MAG's use considering its benefits in long-term survival. Of note, an individualized patient selection for this approach is warranted.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Differences in Long-term Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Single vs Multiple Arterial Grafts and the Association With Sex

Sex-related differences in the outcome of using multiple arterial grafts during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remain uncertain. To compare the outcomes of the use of multiple arterial grafts vs a single arterial graft during CABG for women and men. This statewide cohort study used data from New York's Cardiac Surgery Reporting System and New York's Vital Statistics file on 63 402 patients undergoing CABG from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014. Statistical analysis was performed from January 10 to August 20, 2020. Multiple arterial grafting or single arterial grafting. Mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, repeated revascularization, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (composite of mortality, AMI, and stroke), and major adverse cardiac event (composite of mortality, AMI, or repeated revascularization) were compared among propensity-matched patients and stratified by the risk of long-term mortality. Of the 63 402 patients (48 155 men [76.0%]; mean [SD] age, 69.9 [10.5] years) in the study, women had worse baseline characteristics than men for most of the explored variables. Propensity matching yielded a total of 9512 male pairs and 1860 female pairs. At 7 years of follow-up, mortality was lower among men who underwent multiple arterial grafting (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87) but not women who underwent multiple arterial grafting (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.84-1.15). When stratified by the estimated risk of death, the use of multiple arterial grafts was associated with better survival and a lower rate of a major adverse cardiac event among low-risk, but not high-risk, patients of both sexes, and the risk cutoff was different for men and women. This study suggests that women have a worse preoperative risk profile than men. Multiple arterial grafting is associated with better outcomes among low-risk, but not high-risk, patients, and the risk cutoffs differ between sexes. These data highlight the need for new studies on the outcome of multiple arterial grafts in women.

Abstract 14598: Multiple Arterial Coronary Bypass Grafting is Associated With Improved Survival in Females

Introduction: Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with improved survival and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in observational studies of mostly males. It is not known whether the MAG is beneficial in females. Herein, we compared the late clinical outcomes of MAG versus single arterial grafting (SAG) in females undergoing CABG for multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) Methods: Clinical and administrative databases for Ontario, Canada, were linked to obtain all female patients with angiographic evidence of left main, triple, or double vessel disease undergoing isolated non-emergent primary CABG from 2008-2019. Baseline characteristics were compared and 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to account for differences. 30-day mortality was compared in the matched groups. Late mortality and MACCE ( composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and death) was compared between the matched groups with a stratified log rank test and Cox-proportional hazard model. Results: In total 2,961 and 7,954 females underwent CABG with MAG and SAG respectively for multivessel CAD. Prior to propensity-score matching, compared to SAG, those that underwent MAG were younger (66.0 vs. 68.9 years) and had less comorbidities. After propensity-score matching, 2,446 well-matched pairs were formed. In matched patients, there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (1.6% vs 1.8%, P=0.43) between MAG and SAG. The median and maximum follow-up was 5.0 and 11.0 years respectively. Over the entire follow-up, MAG was associated with improved survival (Figure, hazard ratio (HR): 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75-0.98) and freedom from MACCE (HR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.76-0.95). Conclusions: MAG was associated with improved survival and freedom from MACCE and should be considered for female patients with good life expectancy requiring CABG.

Multiple Versus Single Arterial Coronary Arterial Bypass Grafting Surgery for Multivessel Disease in Atrial Fibrillation

Observational studies suggest improved outcomes with multiple (MAG) as compared to single arterial grafting (SAG) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Even though around 6% of CABG patients have preoperative atrial fibrillation, previous studies did not address MAG versus SAG comparison in this setting. Data from KROK (Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures) were retrospectively collected. 5738 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and AF (77.9% men, mean age 69.0 ± 8.0) undergoing isolated CABG surgery between 2006 and 2019 in 37 reference centers across Poland were analyzed. Propensity score matching was performed. Primary endpoint was mid-term survival. Median follow-up was 5 years ([IQR 1.9-7.6], max.13). One-to-three Propensity score matching included 2364 patients divided into MAG (591) and SAG (1773) subsets. Subjects were no different in terms of baseline risk and surgical characteristics. Number of distal anastomoses was 2.82 ± 0.83 versus 2.80 ± 0.75 (P = 0.516) for MAG and SAG, respectively. In-hospital outcomes and mortality risk at 1-year (hazard ratio, 95% confidence intervals: 1.13 [0.81-1.58]; P = 0.469) was unchanged with MAG. Multiple arterial grafting was associated with 20% improved mid-term survival: HR 0.80; (95% confidence intervals: 0.65-0.97); P = 0.026. Benefit was sustained in subgroup analyses, yet most appraised in low risk patients (<70-year-old; EuroSCORE <2; no diabetes) and when complete revascularization was achieved. Multiple as compared to single arterial grafting in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing CABG is safe and associated with improved mid-term survival. A particular survival benefit was observed in lower risk patients.

Multiple vs single arterial grafting in coronary surgery among diabetic patients: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background and aim The use of more than one arterial conduit in coronary surgery has been widely associated with better long-term results. We sought to investigate the benefits of Multiple Arterial Grafts (MAG) over Single Arterial Grafts (SAG), among diabetic patients, in short and long-term results throughout a meta-analysis of propensity score matching (PSM) studies. Methods MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science were used to find relevant literature (1960–2018). We included cohort studies with at least 200 patients and that reported one of these outcomes: long-term survival, early mortality or sternal wound infection (SWI). Survival was collected through hazard ratio (HR) along with their variance and the other endpoints using frequencies or odds ratio (OR) from the matched sample. Fixed effect models were used to compute statistical combined measures and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Eleven studies were included performing a total of 9670 diabetic patients: 4833 MAG and 4837 SAG (1:1 PSM in all studies). MAG group consisted in bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) in 8 studies; single IMA (SIMA)+radial artery (RA) in 5 studies; and one study reported several MAG approaches: BIMA+RA+Gastroepiploic artery (GEA), SIMA+RA+GEA, SIMA+GEA or BIMA+GEA. SAG group consisted in SIMA with or without saphenous vein graft in all studies, except for one that included also patients with GEA instead of SIMA. Ten studies reported long-term survival and mean follow-up time ranged from 5 to 12 years (max. follow-up 30y). Overall, MAG had significantly improved long-term survival compared with SAG (pooled HR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.85, p&amp;lt;0.01). In-hospital mortality was reported by 6 studies (4202 patients: 2099 MAG and 2103 SAG) and occurred in 3.0% vs. 3.3% in MAG vs. SAG patients, respectively (pooled OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65–1.29, p=0.60). SWI was reported by 6 studies (4432 patients: 2216 MAG and 2216 SAG) and occurred in 2.8% vs. 2.2% in MAG vs. SAG patients, respectively (pooled OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.90–1.92, p=0.15). Excluding one article in which MAG group consisted in IMA+RA, the remaining 5 BIMA vs. SIMA studies reported an higher risk of SWI in MAG group (pooled OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.07–2.49, p=0.02) Conclusion Considering PSM studies, MAG provides superior long-term survival compared to SAG in diabetic patients. This surgical technique does not implement additional risk regarding in-hospital mortality, but MAG with BIMA was associated with a higher risk of SWI in this specific subgroup of patients. Forest plot survival Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Universidade do Porto/FMUP e FSE-Fundo Social Europeu, NORTE 2020-Programa Operacional Regional do Norte,-Programas Doutorais

Effects of diabetes and obesity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: ten-year results from the Arterial Revascularisation Trial

Abstract Background Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an effective way to manage advanced coronary heart disease. Diabetes is associated with higher risk of mortality in patients undergoing CABG but the effects of obesity, and the interactions between diabetes and obesity in the context of CABG, have not been fully explored. Methods The Arterial Revascularisation Trial (ART) compared ten-year mortality in patients undergoing CABG randomised to single or bilateral internal thoracic arterial grafts. Effects of diabetes and obesity on mortality and risk (sternal wound complications) were explored. Diabetes was defined according to clinical history at baseline and combined insulin and non-insulin dependent patients, and obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2 at baseline. Results Information on diabetes, obesity and ten-year mortality were documented for 3094 patients who were included in the analysis. Mean age was 64 years, 86% male, mean weight 82kg and BMI 28. Diabetes was documented in 24% and obesity in 30% and as expected obese patients were more likely to be diabetic. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for ten-year mortality using the no diabetes, non-obese group as a reference were 1.33 (1.08, 1.64) (diabetes, non-obese), 0.93 (0.75, 1.16) (no diabetes, obese) and 1.18 (0.91, 1.54) (diabetes, obese) groups (Figure 1). Similar patterns of risk were observed whether patients were randomised to receive single or bilateral internal thoracic arteries and diabetes appeared to be the main driver of elevated risk of early sternal wound complications following CABG. Conclusions Obesity and diabetes are closely associated but our analysis shows that patterns of risk of death after CABG are not additive for these characteristics, and obesity may actually be associated with lower death rates in patients with and without diabetes. These findings will be explored further to understand mechanisms and interactions with other factors. Figure 1. Hazard ratios at 10 years Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Multiple arterial coronary bypass grafting is associated with greater survival in women

ObjectiveMultiple arterial grafting (MAG) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with higher survival and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in observational studies of mostly...

SURVIVAL AND COMPLICATIONS AFTER MULTIPLE ARTERY KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Introduction: Because of the high incidence of urological and vascular complications, multiple renal artery (MRA) have been accepted to be a relative contraindication for kidney transplantation. By using appropriate vascular reconstruction and anastomosis techniques, transplantation of MRA is a safe procedure. We aimed to determine urological and vascular complications and to evaluate long-term graft survival after MRA kidney graft transplantation retrospectively. Materials and Methods: 3089 KT (714 cadaveric and 2375 living-related) have been performed in our center between November 1975 to July 2019. A total of 157 of the graft kidneys had MRA. In MRA grafts, 145 had 2, 10 had 3, 1 had 4, 1 had 5 arteries. Medical records of the patients have been retrospectively evaluated for single renal artery (SRA) graft recipients (Group I) and MRA graft recipients (Group II) respectively. Results: We found no difference between ischemia time, creatinine clearance, 1st and 5th years creatinine and eGFR levels when we compared the MRA kidney graft recipients and SRA recipients. There was no significant difference between rejection episodes and acute tubular necrosis between Group I and Group II patients as well. Graft survival rates in the 1st and 5th years after transplantation were 93.1% and 79.7% in Group I patients and 92.9% and 78.3 in Group II patients respectively. First and fifth year patient survival rates were showed no significant difference between Group I and Group II (95.5% and 92.9% for SRA and 96.9% and 87.2% for MRA and respectively. Anostomosis duration was 65 minutes in Group I and 74 minutes in Group II patients and accordingly ischemia time was 202 minutes in SRA patients and 214 minutes in MRA patients respectively. Conclusion: Transplantation of a MRA graft shows equal graft and patient survival rates when compared with SRA graft transplantation in the long term.