Total Arterial Revascularization Research Articles

Impact of diabetes on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in acute coronary syndrome.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with concomitant comorbidities, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is the optimal therapy in diabetic patients with triple vessel disease. DM is also known to be a relevant risk factor for higher morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG procedures. Data regarding outcomes in diabetic patients in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is heterogeneous. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DM on short-term outcomes in patients who underwent CABG surgery in ACS. A retrospective propensity score matched (PSM) analysis of 1370 patients who underwent bypass surgery for ACS between June 2011 and October 2019 was conducted. All patients were divided into two groups: non-diabetic group (n = 905) and diabetic group (n = 465). In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were perioperative myocardial infarction, new onset dialysis, reopening for bleeding and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A subgroup analysis of patients with insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent DM was also performed. After performing PSM analysis, baseline characteristics and the preoperative risk profile were comparable between both groups. The proportion of patients who underwent total arterial revascularization (p = .048) with the use of both internal thoracic arteries (p < .001) was significantly higher in the non-diabetic group. The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction (p = .048) and new onset dialysis (p = .008) was significantly higher in the diabetic group. In-hospital mortality was statistically (p = .907) comparable between the two groups. DM was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes, however with comparable in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent CABG procedure for ACS.

Long Term Survival Benefits of Different Conduits Used in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery- A Single Institutional Practice Over 20 Years.

This study determined hazard factors and long-term survival rate of total arterial coronary artery bypass graft surgery over 20 years in an extensively large, population-based cohort. A total of 2979 patients who underwent isolated CABG from April 1999 to March 2020 were studied in 4 groups- Group-A (bilateral internal mammary artery ± radial artery), Group-B (single internal mammary artery + radial artery ± saphenous vein), Group-C (single internal mammary artery ± saphenous vein; no radial artery), and Group-D (radial artery ± saphenous vein; no internal mammary artery). The study endpoints analysed the correlation between the number and types of grafts with the survival time following isolated CABG surgery. The total arterial revascularization (Group A) group had an admirable mean long-term survival of ~19 years, compared to 18.6 years (Group B), 15.86 years (Group C), and 10.99 years (Group D). A Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated confidence interval (CI) for study groups- (95% CI 18.33-19.94), (95% CI 18.14-19.06), (95% CI 15.40-16.32), and (95% CI 9.61-12.38) in Group A, B, C, D respectively. In the Holm-Sidak method analysis, significant associations existed between the number of arterial grafts and the long-term outcome. A statistically significant (P≤0.05) long-term survival advantage for arterial grafting was demonstrated, especially total arterial revascularisation over all other combinations except single internal mammary artery + radial artery grafting. In this series, over 20 years, total arterial CABG use has excellent long-term survival, achieving complete myocardial revascularisation. There is no significant difference between the BIMA group and SIMA with radial artery. However, there is a reduced survival with decreased use of arterial conduits.

Sex differences in long-term survival after total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting.

It is uncertain if the evidence on improved long-term survival of total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting applies to female patients. This study aims to compare the long-term survival outcomes of using total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus at least 1 saphenous vein graft separately for men and women. This retrospective analysis of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac-Thoracic Surgical Database had administrative linkage to the National Death Index. We identified all patients undergoing primary isolated coronary bypass from June 2001 to January 2020 inclusive. Following sex stratification, propensity score matching with 36 variables and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to facilitate adjusted comparisons. A Cox interaction-term analysis was performed to investigate the impact of sex on TAR survival benefit. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Of the 69 624 eligible patients receiving at least 2 grafts, 13 019 (18.7%) were female patients. Matching generated 14 951 male and 3530 female pairs. Compared to vein-dependent procedures, TAR was associated with significantly reduced incidence of long-term all-cause mortality for both male (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.91; P < 0.001) and female (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.91; P < 0.001) cohorts. Interaction-term analysis indicated no significant subgroup effect from sex (P = 0.573) on the survival advantage of TAR. The treatment effect provided by TAR remained significant across most sex-stratified disease subgroups. TAR, when compared to the use of at least 1 saphenous vein graft, provides comparable superior long-term survival outcomes in both females and males.

Robot-Assisted MIDCAB Using Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery: A Propensity Score–Matched Study With OPCAB Patients

Objective: Robot-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB) is an attractive strategy for coronary revascularization. Growing evidence supports the use of total arterial grafting in coronary surgery. We evaluated total arterial left-sided coronary revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) using RA-MIDCAB and compared it with a propensity score–matched (PSM) off-pump CAB (OPCAB) surgery population. Methods: We retrospectively included all isolated OPCAB and RA-MIDCAB surgery using BITA without saphenous vein graft from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2022. We analyzed all our RA-MIDCAB patients and performed PSM to compare them with our OPCAB population. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality. Secondary outcomes were surgical parameters, length of hospital stay, and learning curve. Results: We included 601 OPCAB and 77 RA-MIDCAB procedures, which resulted in 2 cohorts of 54 patients after PSM. Mortality and MACCE survival analysis showed no significant difference. There was less blood transfusion in the RA-MIDCAB (16.7%) compared with the OPCAB group (38.9%; P = 0.02). We observed fewer intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (24.1% vs 96.6%), shorter ICU stay (0.78 ± 1.7 vs 1.91 ± 1.01 days), and shorter hospital stay (6.78 ± 2.4 vs 8.01 ± 2.5 days) in the RA-MIDCAB versus OPCAB group ( P &lt; 0.01). Surgery time decreased from 400.0 ± 70.8 to 325.0 ± 38.0 min with more experience in RA-MIDCAB BITA harvesting ( P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: This is a first publication of 77 consecutive RA-MIDCAB BITA harvesting for left coronary artery system revascularization. This technique is safe in terms of MACCE and mortality. Additional advantages are shorter length of hospital stay, fewer ICU admissions, and less blood transfusion.

Left ventricular recovery after total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting versus conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

We compared total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus conventional revascularization (CR) in terms of left ventricular function recovery in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 162 consecutive patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution between January 2013 and July 2022. We assessed left ventricular function by transthoracic echocardiography at admission, before discharge, and at follow-up of 3, 6, and 12months, using LVEF, global longitudinal peak strain, end-diastolic volume index, and end-systolic volume index. We also evaluated mitral valve regurgitation and graft patency rate at 1 year. The TAR group had a significantly higher increase in LVEF and global longitudinal peak strain, and a significantly lower decrease in end-diastolic volume index and end-systolic volume index than the CR group at 6 and 12months after surgery. The TAR group also had a significantly lower degree of mitral valve regurgitation than the CR group at all-time points within 12months after surgery. The TAR group had a significantly higher graft patency rate than the CR group at 12months. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality or repeat revascularization between the groups. TAR was associated with better recovery of left ventricular function than CR in patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in this high-risk population.

Total Arterial Revascularization: Evaluating the Length of the Radial Artery in a Composite Graft Configuration.

Reimplanting the radial artery in the left internal thoracic artery as a composite graft allows total arterial revascularization (TAR) without aortic manipulation. The limitation of this strategy is the length of the radial artery required to reach distal right coronary artery (RCA) branches. Our analysis focuses on the feasibility of this strategy. A total of 169 patients underwent TAR using the radial artery in a composite grafting configuration. Length of the radial artery, number of sequential anastomoses, heart size, target location, length of the arm, patient height, body surface area, and flow in the composite graft were prospectively collected. The mean length of the radial artery was 18.02 cm. Patients with a mean length of the radial artery of 15.9 cm needed an extension of the radial artery with another conduit to reach the RCA distal branches. When T-configuration is used, the length of the radial artery should be 0.53 cm per sequential anastomosis to reach the RCA distal branches. Our study shows that an average length of 18.02 cm of radial artery is needed to reach targets on the RCA distal branches in composite grafting. In T-configuration, we need 0.53 cm more length per anastomosis to achieve TAR.

Consensus statement-graft treatment in cardiovascular bypass graft surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is and continues to be the preferred revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease. Graft selection has been shown to influence the outcomes following CABG. During the last almost 60 years saphenous vein grafts (SVG) together with the internal mammary artery have become the standard of care for patients undergoing CABG surgery. While there is little doubt about the benefits, the patency rates are constantly under debate. Despite its acknowledged limitations in terms of long-term patency due to intimal hyperplasia, the saphenous vein is still the most often used graft. Although reendothelialization occurs early postoperatively, the process of intimal hyperplasia remains irreversible. This is due in part to the persistence of high shear forces, the chronic localized inflammatory response, and the partial dysfunctionality of the regenerated endothelium. "No-Touch" harvesting techniques, specific storage solutions, pressure controlled graft flushing and external stenting are important and established methods aiming to overcome the process of intimal hyperplasia at different time levels. Still despite the known evidence these methods are not standard everywhere. The use of arterial grafts is another strategy to address the inferior SVG patency rates and to perform CABG with total arterial revascularization. Composite grafting, pharmacological agents as well as latest minimal invasive techniques aim in the same direction. To give guide and set standards all graft related topics for CABG are presented in this expert opinion document on graft treatment.

Sex-differences in outcome after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is age-dependent; data from the Netherlands Heart Registration

BackgroundWomen are known to have worse outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than men. Studies have shown that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) might benefit higher-risk patients, and therefore might also benefit women. We aimed to determine differences in early and late outcomes between sexes after OPCAB. MethodsData from all patients undergoing OPCAB, between 2013 through 2021 was retrieved from the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR) database. Primary outcomes were early mortality, morbidity and late survival. We divided the population into subgroups based on age (aged ≥70 years or < 70 years) and sex. ResultsThis study included 8,487 men and 2,170 women (total = 10,657). Female patients received fewer anastomoses (mean (SD)) women 2.38 (1.17) vs men 2.68 (1.23), p < 0.001) and total arterial revascularization was performed less frequently in women than in men (21.3 % versus 29.5 % respectively, p < 0.001).In the subgroup of patients <70 years, early mortality was 1.7 % in women and 0.6 % in men (p < 0.001). Survival rate at 5 years was 88.4 % in women and 91.1 % in men (p < 0.001). Female sex was associated with worse late survival in the subgroup <70 years (HR (95 % CI) 1.42 (1.10–1.83) p = 0.008). ConclusionsSex-differences in outcome after CABG persists in OPCAB surgery. However, these differences are solely present in the younger subgroup. In our data, women undergoing OPCAB surgery seem to be treated differently during surgery as compared to their male counter parts, further research is needed to analyze this finding.

Short-Term Outcomes of Total Arterial Revascularization Compared to Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Patients with Multivessel Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background. Multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) present challenges in CABG. We aimed to compare early outcomes of total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus conventional CABG in this high-risk population. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study based on a single-center registry of patients who underwent isolated CABG for multivessel CAD and LVD between January 2014 and December 2022. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were early complications, graft patency rate at 3 months, readmission rate within 6 months, and freedom from angina rate within 6 months. Results. A total of 112 cases were included in this study; 52 patients for TAR and 60 patients for conventional CABG. Both groups had comparable baselines and operative profiles. In-hospital mortality was similar between TAR and conventional CABG (2 deaths, 3.85% vs 4 deaths, 6.67%, p = 0.810). TAR had shorter ICU (3.5 vs 5 days, p = 0.016) and hospital stay (10.5 vs 12 days, p = 0.007). Other postoperative complications were similar. At 3 months, TAR had superior graft patency (91.7% vs 83.7%, p = 0.034) and lower 6-month readmission (TAR: 2/50, 4.0% vs. CR: 10/56, 17.9%, p = 0.024). Freedom from angina rate within 6 months was similar between the two groups (TAR: 43/50, 86.0% vs. CR: 42/56, 75.0%, p = 0.240). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that TAR may offer benefits in terms of shorter hospital stays, higher early graft patency, and lower readmission rates for patients with multivessel CAD and LVD. However, further research, particularly large-scale, randomized trials with longer follow-up periods, are needed to fully understand the long-term clinical outcomes and confirm these promising early results.

Surgical Strategy for Sternal Closure in Patients with Surgical Myocardial Revascularization Using Mammary Arteries.

Coronary artery bypass grafting has evolved from all venous grafts to bilateral mammary artery (BIMA) grafting. This was possible due to the long-term patency of the left and right internal mammary demonstrated in angiography studies compared to venous grafts. However, despite higher survival rates when using bilateral mammary arteries, multiple studies report a higher rate of surgical site infections, most notably deep sternal wound infections, a so-called "never event". We designed a prospective study between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 and included all patients proposed for total arterial myocardial revascularization in order to investigate the rate of surgical site infections (SSI). Chest closure in all patients was performed using a three-step protocol. The first step refers to sternal closure. If the patient's BMI is below 35 kg/m2, sternal closure is achieved using the "butterfly" technique with standard steel wires. If the patient's BMI exceeds 35 kg/m2, we use nitinol clips or hybrid wire cable ties according to the surgeon's preference for sternal closure. The main advantages of these systems are a larger implant-to-bone contact with a reduced risk of bone fracture. The second step refers to presternal fat closure with two resorbable monofilament sutures in a way that the edges of the skin perfectly align at the end. The third step is skin closure combined with negative pressure wound therapy. This system was applied to 217 patients. A total of 197 patients had bilateral mammary artery grafts. We report only 13 (5.9%) superficial SSI and only one (0.46%) deep SSI. The preoperative risk of major wound infection was 3.9 +/- 2.7. Bilateral mammary artery grafting was not associated with surgical site infection in a univariate analysis. We believe this strategy of sternal wound closure can reduce the incidence of deep surgical site infection when two mammary arteries are used in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Survival Benefit of Multiple Arterial Revascularization With and Without Supplementary Saphenous Vein Graft.

Background It is unknown if the presence of saphenous vein grafting (SVG) adversely affects late survival following coronary surgery with multiple arterial grafting (MAG) versus single arterial grafting. Methods and Results A retrospective, observational, multicenter cohort study from 2001 to 2020 was conducted using the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Database linked to the National Death Index. Patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with ≥2 grafts were included, and exclusions were patients aged <18 years, reoperations, concomitant or previous cardiac surgery, and the absence of arterial grafting. Demographics, comorbidities, medication, and operative configurations were propensity score matched between cohorts. The primary outcome was all-cause late death. Of 59 689 eligible patients, 35 113 were MAG (58.8%), and 24 576 were single arterial grafting (41.2%). Of the MAG cohort, 17 055 (48.6%) patients did not receive supplementary SVG(total arterial revascularization). Matching separately generated 22 764 patient pairs for MAG versus single arterial grafting, and 11 137 patient pairs for MAG with total arterial revascularization versus MAG with ≥1 supplementary vein grafts. At a median follow-up duration of 5.0 years postoperatively, the mortality rate was significantly lower for MAG than single arterial grafting (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.76-0.83]; P<0.001). The stratified MAG analysis found that MAG with total arterial revascularization had a lower risk of late death (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.80-0.91]; P<0.001) compared with MAG with ≥1 supplementary vein grafts. Sensitivity analyses produced consistent outcomes as the primary analysis. Following adjustment for the presence of SVG in the Cox model, the survival advantage of incremental number of arteries was lost. Conclusions Multiple arterial grafting has significantly improved long-term survival compared with single arterial grafting. A further incremental survival benefit exists when no SVG is used.

Multi-Omics Profiling of Human Endothelial Cells from the Coronary Artery and Internal Thoracic Artery Reveals Molecular but Not Functional Heterogeneity.

Major adverse cardiovascular events occurring upon coronary artery bypass graft surgery are typically accompanied by endothelial dysfunction. Total arterial revascularisation, which employs both left and right internal thoracic arteries instead of the saphenous vein to create a bypass, is associated with better mid- and long-term outcomes. We suggested that molecular profiles of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and human internal mammary artery endothelial cells (HITAECs) are coherent in terms of transcriptomic and proteomic signatures, which were then investigated by RNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Both HCAECs and HITAECs overexpressed molecules responsible for the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, basement membrane assembly, cell-ECM adhesion, organisation of intercellular junctions, and secretion of extracellular vesicles. HCAECs were characterised by higher enrichment with molecular signatures of basement membrane construction, collagen biosynthesis and folding, and formation of intercellular junctions, whilst HITAECs were notable for augmented pro-inflammatory signaling, intensive synthesis of proteins and nitrogen compounds, and enhanced ribosome biogenesis. Despite HCAECs and HITAECs showing a certain degree of molecular heterogeneity, no specific markers at the protein level have been identified. Coherence of differentially expressed molecular categories in HCAECs and HITAECs suggests synergistic interactions between these ECs in a bypass surgery scenario.

Total arterial revascularization using robot assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass: an Indian experience.

The aim of this study is to analyze the early outcomes of Total Arterial Revascularization using Robot Assisted Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass at our center between June 2019 and January 2023. This is a retrospective analysis of 195 patients who underwent Total Arterial Coronary Revascularization through Robot Assisted Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass procedure (RA-CABG) during the period of June 2019 and January 2023 in a quaternary care center in India. Primary outcome variables were in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome variables included duration of surgery, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, in-hospital stay and perioperative morbidity. The entire patient population was divided into two groups for a subgroup analysis based on when the surgery was conducted i.e. the years since the robotic program was begun at our institution with 81 patients in group I (2019-2021), and 114 patients in group II (2022-2023). 195 patients [88.7% male, mean age of 61.34 ± 9.58years] underwent RA-CABG during the 5-year period (2019-2023) by a single experienced surgeon and his team. Conversion to larger thoracic incisions was required in 5 cases (2.59%). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 1.02% each. The average length of ICU stay and hospital stay were 2.82 ± 1.17days and 5.84 ± 1.71days respectively. The duration of ICU stay correlated with the number of internal mammary artery grafts procured (p = 0.0022). Median duration of follow-up was 11months. Overall mortality was 3.62% and cardiac related mortality was 2.07%, and 5 patients (2.59%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Results of the sub-group analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of number of internal mammary artery grafts procured (p = 0.010), need for transfusions (p = 0.00031), ICU stay (p = 0.0005) and in-hospital stay (p = 0.0006). Total Arterial Coronary Revascularization through RA-CABG is a viable procedure in select patients. An experienced surgeon and team are required. Further studies in the form of randomized trials with long term follow-up are required to establish the overall utility, effectiveness and benefits to the patients.

Total Arterial Myocardial Revascularization - A One-Year Initial Experience and Literature Review

We presented the results of the clinical outcomes of an isolated cohort of patients in whom coronary disease was treated with total arterial revascularization of the myocardium in the period of one year. We put a special focus on the preparation and use of the gastroepiploic artery as an in situ graft for revascularization of the right and posterior descending coronary arteries considering its less frequent application in cardiac surgery practice. We have shown selected reports of individual publications that we consider to unify the aforementioned strategic approach to treatment of coronary disease. According to the general trend in cardiac surgery to use minimally invasive approaches, part of the publication is dedicated to surgical revascularization through a left mini thoracotomy, where again arterial grafts are absolutely dominant.

436 Total Arterial Revascularisation Complicated by Unexpected Vasoconstrictor Requirements

Abstract Introduction The debate surrounding conduit selection in multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) persists. Whilst combined arterial and venous conduits remains the gold standard approach, some studies report superior long-term outcomes with total arterial revascularisation (TAR). Case Description A 48-year-old male was admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Investigations demonstrated significant triple vessel coronary artery disease with preserved biventricular systolic function. He had no major comorbidities. He underwent uneventful urgent off-pump CABG x 3 with TAR. Conduits used were a skeletonised left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and a radial artery. They were anastomosed to make a Y configuration. The LIMA was anastomosed end-to-side to the mid-LAD and the radial artery was anastomosed side-to-side to the first obtuse marginal and end-to-side to the posterior descending artery. Post-operatively the patient had significant drain output, resulting in haemodynamic instability and a significant increase in vasoconstrictor requirements. This led to vasoconstrictive spasm of the arterial grafts and cardiac arrest ensued. The patient underwent emergency re-sternotomy and institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. The arterial grafts were removed, and the patient was re-grafted with three saphenous vein grafts. The patient was successfully discharged home in a stable condition on the tenth post-operative day. Discussion Careful management of post-operative complications in patients who underwent TAR is required in order to reduce the risk of arterial graft spasm. Pre-operative planning should include the consideration of alternative conduit strategies in patients where higher post-operative vasoconstrictor requirements are anticipated.

Radial artery harvesting with harmonic scalpel: fully no-touch technique

The radial artery has been used for decades as an alternative to other arterial bypass graft conduits. Positive long-term patency results and survival benefits have led to an increase in its popularity. The emerging evidence of the need for total arterial myocardial revascularization unleashes the potential of the radial artery as a versatile arterial conduit capable of reaching all coronary targets in a lot of different configurations. In addition, a radial artery graft has proven benefits in terms of graft patency compared with a saphenous venous graft. In this context, multiple randomized clinical trials have repeatedly proven the improved clinical outcomes of radial artery grafts based on 10 years of follow-up; the radial artery graft has also been shown to be a suitable arterial conduit in up to 90% of coronary artery bypass grafting cases. Despite the scientific evidence regarding the benefits of the radial artery graft, most surgeons are still reluctant to use the radial artery in coronary artery bypass graft procedures. Consequently, surgical residents risk not developing solid surgical skills for utilization of the radial artery graft. Safe, easy-to-learn techniques are needed to speed up the learning curve and at the same time lower the complications. In this context, a fully no-touch technique for harvesting the radial artery using a harmonic scalpel can be the right way to introduce young surgeons to this basic but paramount skill.

Total Arterial Revascularization in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Total Arterial Revascularization in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Comparing the Long-Term Impact of Total Arterial Grafting With Multiarterial Plus Saphenous Vein Grafting

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes in a propensity matched population receiving total arterial grafting (TAG) and multiple arterial grafts (MAG) in addition to saphenous vein graft (SVG) following multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting requiring at least three distal anastomoses. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 655 patients from two centers met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: TAG group (n = 231) and MAG + SVG group (n = 424). Propensity score matching was performed resulting in 231 pairs. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of early outcomes. Survival probabilities at 5, 10, and 15 y were 89.1% versus 94.2%, 76.2% versus 76.1%, and 66.7% versus 69.8% in the TAG and MAG + SVG groups, respectively (hazard ratio stratified on matched pairs: 0.90; 95% confidence interval [0.45-1.77]; P = 0.754). Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) in the matched cohort did not show any significant difference between both groups. Probabilities at 5, 10, and 15 y were 82.7% versus 85.6%, 62.2% versus 75.3%, and 48.8% versus 59.5% in the TAG and MAG + SVG groups, respectively (hazard ratio stratified on matched pairs: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [0.65-1.92]; P = 0.679). Subgroup analyses of the matched cohort showed no significant difference between TAR with three arterial conduits compared to TAR with two arterial conduits with sequential grafting and MAG + SVG in terms of long-term survival and freedom from MACCE. ConclusionsMultiple arterial revascularizations in addition to SVG may yield comparable long-term outcomes in terms of survival and freedom from MACCE compared to total arterial revascularization.

Application of radial artery in total arterial coronary revascularization in elderly patients

To summarize the application experience and clinical effect of radial artery in total arterial coronary revascularization (TAR) in elderly patients. Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent TAR at the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital from July 1, 2020 to May 30, 2022. Patients were divided into ≥ 65-year-old group and < 65-year-old group according to age. The radial artery blood flow, diameter, intimal integrity and Allen test were evaluated by ultrasound before operation. The distal ends of radial artery were collected for pathological examination during operation. Coronary artery CT angiography (CTA) was examined postoperatively and follow up. The safety and reliability of ultrasonic assessment of radial artery and application of radial artery in elderly patients with TAR were summarized and analyzed. A total of 101 patients received TAR, including 35 cases aged ≥ 65 years old, 66 cases aged < 65 years old; 78 cases used bilateral radial arteries, and 23 cases used unilateral radial arteries. 4 cases of bilateral internal mammary arteries. All the proximal ends of the radial artery were anastomosed to the proximal end of the ascending aorta, 34 cases were performed of "Y" grafts, and 4 cases were sequential anastomoses. There was no in-hospital death and perioperative cardiovascular events. Perioperative cerebral infarction occurred in 3 patients. 1 patients was reoperated for bleeding. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) assistance was used in 21 patients. Poor wound healing occurred in 2 cases and healed well after debridement. Follow-up of 2 to 20 months after discharge showed no internal mammary artery occlusion and 4 radial artery occlusions; no major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) occurred, and the survival rate was 100%. There was no significant difference in the above perioperative complications and follow-up endpoints between the two age groups. By adjusting the order of bypass anastomosis and optimizing the preoperative evaluation method, radial artery combined with internal mammary artery can obtain better outcome early in TAR, and can be safely and reliably applied to elderly patients.

Rita-Rae (Right Internal Thoracic Artery to Radial Artery Extension): Experience With Total Arterial Revascularisation Without Aortic Anastomoses

Total arterial revascularisation using internal thoracic and radial arteries are emerging as desirable long-term solutions for triple vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Achieving this goal can sometimes be challenging due to a shortage of available arterial conduit, need for aortic anastomoses, limited length of conduits, and optimal use. This study explored a novel configuration of connecting the radial artery graft to the distal end of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) as an adjunct to the conventional left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending (LAD) graft.