Use Of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries Research Articles

Long term follow-up of bilateral internal thoracic artery use in young coronary artery bypass grafting patients: 29 year single surgeon experience.

Improved long term survival has demonstrated by grafting left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). This study investigated the prognostic benefits of BITA versus single LITA with common anastomotic configurations of BITA. Elective patients age below 60years, undertaken by a single surgeon, between 1992 and 2014 were explored. Cox regression models were fitted to investigate prognostic benefits of BITA. Specific comparisons were made with BITA subgroups who received LITA to LAD or RITA to LAD to establish long-term prognostic difference with the use of the RITA to LAD as compared to the LITA to LAD anastomosis. Comparisons were made with other BITA configurations to establish long-term difference in survival as a result of the actual targets bypassed with BITA grafts. Both groups had similar baseline patient characteristics. Following risk adjustment, the use of a second ITA conferred a significant 48% reduction in long-term mortality to BITA group [HR 0.52 (95%CI: 0.36-0.74) p < .001]. The use of the RITA to LAD, instead of LITA, resulted in no difference in the long-term prognostic benefit. The targets grafted with second ITA conferred a significant prognostic benefit for common configurations it was used in for bypass surgery. The use of BITA confers long term prognostic benefit to patients. Grafting RITA to LAD instead of more common LITA to LAD made no difference in long term prognosis when compared to CABG patients with single ITA. The use of a second ITA conduit in common configurations for CABG confers prognostic benefits irrespective of distal target grafted.

Efficacy of atrial fibrillation predictors including MVP ECG risk score compared between single or bilateral internal thoracic artery use

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common complication after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG). Despite advanced treatment methods, primary prevention is crucial. Many factors have been investigated as markers for AF, but further research is required.CABG is currently superior to Primary Coronary Intervention (PCI) in some cases due to Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD)- Internal Thoracic Artery (ITA) anastomosis. However, graft choice for non-LAD vessels is still controversial. Our study compared the incidence of arrhythmia between patients with single ITA or bilateral ITA (BITA).MethodsThe study included 84 isolated CABG patients. The patients were divided into two groups: single ITA and BITA. Patients who developed AF were recorded and compared.Results73.8%(n = 62) of the patients were male and 26.2%(n = 22) were female. While single ITA was used in 48.8%(n = 41) of the patients, BITA was used in 51.2%(n = 43). AF was detected in 15.5%(n = 13) of the patients. AF was observed in 5(12.2%) patients in the single ITA group and 8(18.6%) in the BITA group. 76.9%(n = 10) of the patients with AF rhythm had Diabetes Mellitus (DM)(p = 0.011). Biphasic P wave, length of P wave duration, and total Morpholog-Voltage-P Wave ECG (MVP ECG) score height were statistically significantly different.ConclusionsThe development of AF was similar in both groups. The presence of DM, high blood glucose levels, and ECG findings can detect a predisposition to postoperative AF. MVP ECG risk score is effective as an AF marker and can be used in surgical patient groups.

Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries Improve 10-Year Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BackgroundThis observational cohort study was designed by the PRIORITY (PRedictIng long-term Outcomes afteR Isolated coronary arTery bypass surgery) steering committee to evaluate the 10-year follow-up outcome of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) versus single internal thoracic artery. MethodsThe PRIORITY project was designed to evaluate long-term outcome of 2 large prospective multicenter cohort studies of coronary artery bypass grafting. Clinical data on isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were merged with administrative data to collect follow-up information. The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 10-year follow-up. Secondary endpoints were individual components of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 10 years and surgical site complications or infections. A propensity score–based inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to overcome the selection bias related to the observational nature of the study. ResultsThe study population consisted of 10,988 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. BITA was used in 23.5%. The use of BITA is related to lower incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 10 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98, P < .001). BITA correlated with better 10-year survival (IPTW adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-1.00, P = .05), re-revascularization (IPTW adjusted HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92, P < .001), and myocardial infarction (IPTW adjusted HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95, P = .005) but to increased incidence of surgical site complications or infections (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.39-3.24, P < .001). ConclusionsIn propensity-matched patients, use of BITA was associated with improved 10-year survival, freedom from repeat revascularization, and myocardial infarction but also higher incidence of surgical site complications.

Deep Sternal Wound Infection After Beating Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery with Routine Use of Skeletonized Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery.

Despite its survival benefits, bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting is not commonly utilized due to concerns over deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). We observed the role of routine use of BITA and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in the incidence of DSWI and associated risk factors. Between January 2010 and December 2020, 1,207 patients were treated with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. In all cases, OPCABG was attempted, and BITA was used whenever there was a need for a second arterial graft for the left coronary artery. DSWI was defined as a wound infection requiring surgical intervention and/or the administration of antibiotics. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to model the risk of DSWI. The incidence of DSWI was 0.58%. Mortality rate was higher in DSWI group than in no-DSWI group (28.57% vs. 1.25%; P<0.001). No significant difference in DSWI incidence was observed when BITA (70.6%) or single internal thoracic artery (29.4%) were used (P=0.680). The prevalence of diabetes (100% vs. 40.7%; P=0.001), hyperlipidemia (100% vs. 85.9%; P=0.045), and obesity (71.4% vs. 26.8%; P-0.017) was significantly elevated in DSWI group, when compared with no-DSWI group. Diabetes (P=0.0001), unstable angina (P=0.0064), previous myocardial infarction > 30 days (P=0.0009), left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% (P=0.0074), and emergency surgery (P=0.0002) were independent risk factors. The results of routine use of skeletonized BITA after OPCABG were satisfactory regarding DSWI incidence and operative mortality in a single-center experience.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on long-term clinical and graft outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with pure bilateral skeletonized internal thoracic artery grafts

BackgroundThe effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) remained debatable and various strategies exist for CABG; hence, clarifying the effects of DM on CABG outcomes is difficult. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of DM on clinical and graft-related outcomes after CABG with bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafts.MethodsFrom January 2001 to December 2017, 3395 patients who underwent off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with BITA grafts were enrolled. The study population was stratified according to preoperative DM. The primary endpoint was cardiac death and the secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, graft failure, stroke, postoperative wound infection, and a composite endpoint of cardiac death, MI, and revascularization. Multiple sensitivity analyses, including Cox proportional hazard regression and propensity-score matching analyses, were performed to adjust baseline differences.ResultsAfter CABG, the DM group showed similar rates of cardiac death, MI, or revascularization and lower rates of graft failure at 10 years (DM vs. non-DM, 19.0% vs. 24.3%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.711, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.549–0.925; P = 0.009) compared to the non-DM group. These findings were consistent after multiple sensitivity analyses. In the subgroup analysis, the well-controlled DM group, which is defined as preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of < 7%, showed lower postoperative wound infection rates (well-controlled DM vs. poorly controlled DM, 3.7% vs. 7.3%, HR 0.411, 95% CI 0.225–0.751; P = 0.004) compared to the poorly controlled DM group, which was consistent after propensity-score matched analysis.ConclusionsOPCAB with BITA grafts showed excellent and comparable long-term clinical outcomes in patients with and without DM. DM might have a protective effect on competition and graft failure of ITA. Strict preoperative hyperglycemia control with target HbA1c of < 7% might reduce postoperative wound infection and facilitate the use of BITA in CABG.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery use in two-vessel disease does not increase the perioperative risk—A propensity score matched analysis

BackgroundBilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) are uncommonly used in the every-day practice due to safety concerns and technical challenges with Y-grafts. We hypothesized that in-situ BITA use during coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) for two vessel disease is equally safe to standard strategy with left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery revascularization and venous graft to other target vessels.MethodsA propensity score matched analysis was used to compare elective on-pump CABG patients who received in-situ BITA (BITA-group), versus left internal thoracic artery graft to the left anterior descending artery plus vein (SITA-group). Primary end points were 30-days all-cause-mortality, major adverse cardiac events and incidents and deep sternal wound infections.ResultsA total of 50 matched pairs (c-statistics 0.769) were selected from patients operated on between January 2015 and April 2020 using BITA (n = 50) and SITA (n = 2170). There were no inter-group differences in demographics and basic clinical characteristics. The total operation time was longer in the BITA-group (4.0 vs 3.6 hours; p = 0.004). The rate of complete revascularization was similar, as was median aortic cross-clamp time, median extracorporeal circulation time, rate of re-explorations for bleeding, deep sternal wound infections or length of stay. One patient died in BITA group, 3 days after surgery, from a non-cardiac cause. After 36 months, the survival rate was 98% for BITA-group and 96% for controls (log-rank, p = 0.577).ConclusionsIn-situ use of BITA during coronary revascularization for two-vessel disease is as safe and effective, as use of single ITA and vein graft. In-situ strategy abolishes allows to avoid the technically demanding composite graft configuration.

Robotic Total Endoscopic Coronary Bypass in 570 Patients: Impact of Anastomotic Technique in Two Eras

BackgroundIn coronary artery bypass grafting, including robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), the anastomotic technique is the most critical part of the procedure. We reviewed results in 570 patients over a 7-year period and compared outcomes between two eras based on predominant anastomotic technique: connectors vs running suture. MethodsBetween July 2013 and December 2020, 570 patients underwent off-pump TECAB: group 1 consisting of 378 patients, from July 2013 to August 2018, using predominantly the C-Port Flex A distal anastomotic stapler (Aesculap); and group 2 consisting of 192 patients, from September 2018 to December 2020, using predominantly a sutured technique (7-0 Pronova; Johnson & Johnson). Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes was performed. ResultsOff-pump TECAB was completed in 98.8% (563 of 570 patients) with an observed/expected mortality of 0.6% (6 of 570 patients). The anastomotic device was used in 89% of 626 grafts in group 1 and only 11% of 305 grafts in group 2 (P = .001). There were no differences in multivessel TECAB (57% vs 53%; P = .331) or bilateral internal thoracic artery use (50% vs 43%; P = .127) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. Operative time was shorter in group 1 (242 ± 84 vs 273 ± 88 minutes; P < .001). Early clinical outcomes were similar between groups, except for hospital stay, which was longer in group 1 (2.9 vs 2.3 days; P < .001). Graft patency was similar (98% vs 95%; P = .295) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. ConclusionsChanging the predominant approach from stapled anastomosis to a sutured technique during robotic TECAB resulted in longer operative times. Both approaches led to excellent outcomes, including graft patency. The shorter operative times conferred by using staplers may flatten the learning curve and facilitate broader adoption of TECAB.

Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization with the Use of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries: Diabetics vs. Non-Diabetics.

IntroductionUse of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) as graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial because it is related to higher in-hospital mortality, incidence of sternal wound-related infection, and an increase in surgical time. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate in-hospital mortality and mortality within 30 days from discharge. The secondary objective is to evaluate the occurrence of deep sternal wound infection in a 90-day follow-up.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the medical records of 152 patients undergoing elective CABG with the use of BITA and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients were divided into two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant valvular disease were not included in the sample.ResultsPreoperative characteristics did not show significant differences between the groups, which allowed a comparative analysis. The variables electrocardiography time and aortic clamping time were higher in the diabetic group, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.0001). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients, and there was no mortality up to 30 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in the primary end point between groups (P=0.56). Deep sternal wound infection was present in only one patient and showed no significant difference in the secondary outcome between groups (P=0.40).ConclusionWe did not observe a higher mortality and occurrence of deep sternal wound infection with the use of BITA in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics, even with greater CPB and aortic clamping times in diabetics.

Abstract 14915: Incidence, Predictors and Clinical Impact of Left Ventricular Functional Recovery Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: CABG is considered the standard treatment for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). However, it remains unknown who would achieve postoperative LV function recovery after CABG. Furthermore, the relationship of postoperative LV function recovery with long-term outcomes remains unclear. Hypothesis: In patients with ICM who undergo CABG, postoperative LV function recovery, which would be influenced by degree of LV remodeling at baseline, is associated with improved outcomes. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study comprised 490 cases with LVEF of ≤40% who underwent CABG between 1993 and 2015. Clinical follow-up was completed in 467 cases (95%), with a mean follow-up of 65±46 months (range, 0-266). A total of postoperative echocardiographic assessments were carried with an average number of 3.7±2.4. LV function recovery was defined as LVEF ≥35% at more than one exam. Association of LV function recovery with mortality after adjustments for clinically relevant covariates was estimated using Cox proportional hazard model. Pre- and intraoperative associates of LV function recovery were identified using logistic regression model. Results: During follow-up, there were 203 mortalities (41%) and overall 10-year survival was 45%. LV function recovery was found in 368 cases (75%), while not in 122 (25%). Overall 10-year survival was significantly higher in patients who achieved LV function recovery as compared with those who did not achieve it (52% vs. 23%). Multivariate analysis identified LV function recovery was independently associated with decreased overall mortality (adjusted HR 0.40, p&lt;0.0001). Preoperative LVDs (adjusted OR 0.92, p&lt;0.0001), eGFR (adjusted OR 1.12, p=0.016) and revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) (adjusted OR 2.81, p=0.018) are the independent predictors of LV function recovery. Conclusions: Among patients with ICM who underwent CABG, 75% achieved substantial postoperative LV function recovery, in association with better long-term survival, as compared with the remaining 25% of patients who did not achieve it. Preoperative less LV remodeling and preserved renal function as well as revascularization with use of BITA might be associated with LV function recovery.

Right or Left Internal Thoracic Artery to the Left Anterior Descending Artery: Informed Choice or Flip a Coin

Neither of the two seminal coronary artery bypass grafting studies from the Cleveland Clinic that established the superiority of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts over saphenous veins specified which ITA was used to bypass the left anterior descending artery (LAD).1,2 However, the in situ left ITA (LITA) to the LAD was the most popular configuration based on comments made by the authors and their direct feedback. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons guidelines encourage the use of bilateral ITA (BITA) grafting and leaves the options open when it comes to choosing which ITA to use for bypassing the LAD.

Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting Concomitant With Other Cardiac Operations - Insights From a European Multicenter Retrospective Study on 1,123 Consecutive Patients.

The use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting concomitant with other cardiac operations is regarded as a risky strategy and the long-term advantages of BITA use remain unproven. Pooled results from 3 series of patients (totaling 1,123 patients; mean age, 71.3 years; mean EuroSCORE II, 7.4%) undergoing combined coronary surgery using BITA were reviewed. Predictors of immediate and long-term adverse outcomes were identified by multivariable analyses. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 7.9% and 6.3%, respectively. Diabetes on insulin (P=0.045), severe renal impairment (P<0.0001), extracardiac arteriopathy (P=0.0058), New York Heart Association class III-IV (P=0.017), recent myocardial infarction (P=0.0009), left ventricular dysfunction (P=0.0054), pulmonary hypertension (P=0.0016), active infective endocarditis (P=0.0011), and prolonged cross-clamp time (P=0.04) were predictors of in-hospital death. Multiple transfusions (27.3%), prolonged mechanical ventilation or reintubation (16.7%), acute kidney injury (11.5%), and sternal wound infections (10.4%) were relevant postoperative complications. Any neurological dysfunction occurred in 5.4% of cases. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. Female sex, chronic dialysis, extracardiac arteriopathy, and left ventricular dysfunction were predictors of both cardiac/cerebrovascular death and major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The 10-year adjusted survival free of cardiac/cerebrovascular death, cerebrovascular accident after discharge, and MACCE was 84.2%, 94.8% and 54.6%, respectively. BITA grafting concomitant with other cardiac operations may be performed with satisfactory results. Long-term outcomes mostly depend on sex, preoperative comorbidities, and baseline cardiac function.

OPTIMAL CONFIGURATION FOR BYPASS OF THE LAD DURING BILATERAL INTERNAL THORACIC ARTERY GRAFTING

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is considered the most effective and durable approach to multi-vessel coronary revascularization primarily attributed to the excellent patency of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery graft. This success has led to the increased use of bilateral ITA (BITA). However, it is not clear whether the left ITA (LITA) or the right ITA (RITA) should be used for the LAD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between LITA-LAD and RITA-LAD configurations in BITA grafting. The primary outcome was the need for percutaneous or surgical re-intervention of the LAD territory. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used with entropy weighting to balance groups. Competing risks were determined using the Fine and Gray model. The studied cohort included 1527 BITA patients with LITA-LAD and 523 with RITA-LAD. The median follow-up was greater in the LITA-LAD group (6.5 years IQR[2.7, 11.3] vs 5.5 years[2.4, 9.2], p < 0.001). Before entropy weighting, RITA-LAD patients were significantly older with more diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and left ventricular dysfunction and more urgent status (all with p < 0.05). Cases with RITA-LAD were also more frequently performed off-pump (p < 0.001). Predicted need for repeat revascularization of the LAD territory at 10 years was 2.8% in the LITA-LAD group and 1.8% in the RITA-LAD group. There was no difference in the need for LAD re-revascularization between groups (Subhazard HR [SHR] 0.686 95% CI [0.296, 1.589], p=0.38). There was no difference in long term all-cause mortality (HR 1.056 95%CI [0.677, 1.647], p=0.81). Adjusted survival at 10 years was 97.2% in the LITA-LAD group and 98.2% in the RITA-LAD group. There was no difference in the risk of cardiac death (SHR 1.062 95%CI [0.502, 2.250], p=0.87). The use of either the LITA or the RITA for LAD grafting during BITA revascularization has no effect on long-term cardiac and all-cause mortality or need for repeat revascularization of the LAD territory. Cardiac surgeons should be confident in using a RITA-LAD bypass in their operative strategy.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

P4586Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting neutralizes detrimental effect of diabetes on survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background In ischemic cardiomyopathy patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the association of diabetic status with outcomes after surgery as well as survival benefit with bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting remain largely unknown. Purpose We evaluated the associations of diabetic status with postoperative LV reverse remodeling, change in renal function, and late outcome following surgical revascularization, with focus on cases with severely impaired LV function. We also attempted to determine the survival benefit of bilateral ITA grafting over single ITA grafting according to diabetic status. Methods We classified 188 patients (mean age 67±9 years) with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤40% who underwent isolated initial CABG into non-diabetic (n=64), non-insulin-dependent DM (NIDM, n=74), and insulin-dependent DM (IDM, n=50) groups. Results At baseline, there were no differences between the diabetic and non-diabetic patients in terms of age, LV function parameters and degree of coronary artery disease, while the diabetic patients were more likely to present chronic kidney disease and peripheral vascular disease. During follow-up (68±47 months), the 5-year survival rate was 84% and 65% in the non-diabetic and diabetic patients respectively (p=0.034). After adjusting for all covariates, both NIDM and IDM were independently associated with increased mortality (NIDM: adjusted hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confident interval 1.0–3.7, p=0.049; IDM: adjusted hazard ratio 2.4, 95% confident interval 1.2–4.8, p=0.016) and composite adverse events defined as mortality and/or heart failure readmission (NIDM: hazard ratio 1.7, 95% confident interval 1.0–2.8, p=0.038; IDM: hazard ratio 3.0, 95% confident interval 1.7–5.1, p&lt;0.001). Diabetic patients showed less improvements in LV dimensions and ejection fraction (interaction effect p&lt;0.05 for all), and steady decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate over time after surgery (group effect p&lt;0.05). Among non-diabetic patients, there was no difference in survival rate between single ITA and bilateral ITA grafting (5-year: 86% vs. 80%, p=0.95), whereas among diabetic patients, survival of those who received the latter was better (57% vs. 81%, p=0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that use of bilateral ITA was significantly associated with decreased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.3, 95% confident interval 0.1–0.8, p=0.024). Conclusion Non-insulin- and insulin-dependent diabetes was significantly associated with worse long-term clinical outcome after CABG for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Bilateral ITA grafting has potential to improve survival in diabetic patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Internal thoracic artery harvesting with a LigaSure device.

Use of the internal thoracic artery is the gold standard for coronary bypass surgery. Bilateral internal thoracic artery use is encouraged, especially in young patients. There are various techniques of harvesting. The LigaSure device has been used successfully as a low heat generating electrothermal vessel sealer in laparoscopic and open surgery for a long time. An internal thoracic artery harvesting technique is described, using a LigaSure Maryland Jaw 23-cm open sealer/divider through a thoracotomy and LigaSure Exact Dissector through a sternotomy. LigaSure devices can be used for pedicled or skeletonized internal thoracic artery harvesting with almost equal precision and safety.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery versus single internal thoracic artery: a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched observational studies.

The lack of benefit in terms of mid-term survival and the increase in the risk of sternal wound complications published in a recent randomized controlled trial have raised concerns about the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) in myocardial revascularization surgery. For this reason, we decided to explore the current evidence available on the subject by carrying out a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus single internal thoracic artery (SITA). PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched for propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus SITA. The generic inverse variance method was used to compute the combined hazard ratio (HR) of long-term mortality. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute the combined risk ratio of 30-day mortality, deep sternal wound infection and reoperation for bleeding. Forty-five BITA versus SITA matched populations were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant benefit in terms of long-term survival in favour of the BITA group [HR 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.86]. These results were consistent with those obtained by a pooled analysis of the matched populations comprising patients with diabetes (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.99). When compared with the use of SITA plus radial artery, BITA did not show any significant benefit in terms of long-term survival (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69-1.07). No differences between BITA and SITA groups were detected in terms of 30-day mortality or in terms of reoperation for bleeding. Compared with the SITA group, patients in the BITA group had a significantly higher risk of deep sternal wound infection (risk ratio 1.66; 95% CI 1.41-1.95) even when the pooled analysis was limited to matched populations in which BITA was harvested according to the skeletonization technique (risk ratio 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.79). The use of BITA provided a long-term survival benefit compared with the use of SITA at the expense of a higher risk of sternal deep wound infection. The long-term survival advantage of BITA is undetectable when compared with SITA plus radial artery.

Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Bypass Grafting in a High Risk Population - A Four Year Experience with STS Database Derived Clinical Outcomes

The purpose of this retrospective review was to examine the morbidity and mortality associated with the routine use of skeletonized bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) in coronary bypass surgery (CABG). The current rate of BITA use is reported to be 5% in the US. The literature reflects an increased incidence of wound complications, especially in obese, diabetic, and female patients. Our policy has been to use skeletonized BITA in patients regardless of comorbidities. Using the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) database, the postoperative markers of prolonged ventilation (PV), length of stay (LOS), wound infection, death, and 30 day readmission were evaluated for all isolated coronary bypass operations (isocab) to allow comparison of bilateral and single internal thoracic artery (ITA) use during this four year period. The incidence of BITA use was 60%. The groups had similar comorbities and postop complications were similar regardless of single or bilateral thoracic artery use. Specifically, there were no wound complications in the BITA group. Adjuncts such as ITA skeletonization, platelet rich plasma, negative pressure wound dressing, and absence of bone wax were utilized in all cases. The added expense is justified to allow the expanded use of BITA.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery use in coronary bypass surgery: is there a benefit?

Over the past three decades, there have been a plethora of retrospective observational data and meta-analyses which support the hypothesis of improved clinical outcomes using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) when compared to saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). However, recently published results have brought this thinking into doubt. We discuss the existing literature on the subject and attempt to clarify the appropriate use of BITA in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). A review of all existing meta-analyses on BITA was conducted to better understand the utility of BITA in CABG. A review of the largest randomized controlled trials on the subject was then compared to the observational data. In all existing meta-analyses, BITA shows a significant advantage over the use of a single internal thoracic artery (SITA) with SVGs. The two largest randomized controlled trials evaluating BITA failed to show a survival advantage and brought into question the complications associated with BITA. At present, the use of multiple arterial grafts remains a reasonable choice, particularly in young patients, provided that their use does not increase the operative risk. Further evidence currently being collected may lend a definitive answer in the near future.

The fate of patients having deep sternal infection after bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in the negative pressure wound therapy era

BackgroundLate survival of patients having deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting is largely unexplored. MethodsOutcomes of 3391 consecutive BITA patients were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with DSWI after surgery (n = 142, 4.2%) were compared with those having no sternal complications (n = 3177). Predictors of DSWI and of mortality during the follow-up period were found with negative-binomial and Cox proportional-hazards regression, respectively. One-to-one propensity score-matched analysis, which considered simultaneously baseline patient characteristics, operative data, and postoperative complications was performed. The resulting matched pairs were compared for non-parametric estimates of late survival. The same comparison was performed in matched pairs having no major complications (except DSWI) early after surgery. ResultsIn-hospital mortality was higher in DSWI cohort than in patients having no sternal complications (5.6% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.0035). Almost all of postoperative complications were more frequent in DSWI patients. Female sex, obesity, chronic lung disease, renal impairment, extracardiac arteriopathy, congestive heart failure, and urgent/emergency priority were predictors of DSWI common to two DSWI risk models that were developed. DSWI was independent predictor of reduced late survival (multiple covariates-adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.91, p < 0.0001). The propensity matching resulted in 135 pairs with same in-hospital mortality (5.2%). Estimates of freedom from all-cause death were lower in DSWI cohort (HR, 1.92, p < 0.0001), even when only pairs (n = 59) having no major postoperative complications (except DSWI) were considered (HR, 1.84, p = 0.026). ConclusionsDSWI after BITA use seems to reduce late survival even after adjusting for baseline patient characteristics and concomitant postoperative complications.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with bilateral internal thoracic arteries: the Leipzig experience.

Contrasting results of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, as well as the lack of evidence for any survival benefit of bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting over single ITA use, has intensified the debate about the role of the off-pump technique and bilateral ITA use in CABG surgery. We therefore investigated our 15-year experience in off-pump CABG with bilateral ITA grafting and evaluated temporal trends in preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Demographic, intra-operative, and outcome data of 1,199 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump CABG with bilateral ITA grafting was prospectively collected in a computerized database. Patients who underwent on-pump cardiac procedures and other extra-cardiac procedures were excluded from this study. Assessment of changes in perioperative characteristics and parameters with time was performed by dividing the whole cohort into three groups (2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2017) based on the year of surgery. The overall 30-day mortality was 0.6%, with no differences observed between the three time cohorts (0.6%, 0.7%, 0.5%; P=0.8). The perioperative stroke rate for whole cohort was 0.6% and demonstrated a significant reduction in the last two time cohorts (1%, 0.5%, 0.5%; P<0.0001). The overall incidence of deep sternal wound infections was 0.7%, but was marginally higher in the last time-cohort (0.6%, 0.5%, 0.9%; P=0.7). Overall survival for the entire cohort was 92.9%±1% and 78.9%±4% at 5 and 10 years follow-up, respectively. Older age at surgery and presence of peripheral vascular disease were the only predictors of late mortality. Off-pump CABG with bilateral skeletonized ITAs is a safe operation and is associated with a low mortality and morbidity, which can be maintained in high volume center unit over a long period of time. The long-term survival of patients undergoing such an operation is excellent.

Current trends in bilateral internal thoracic artery use for coronary revascularization: Extending benefit to high-risk patients

BackgroundWe sought to identify the trends in bilateral internal thoracic artery use and determine the degree to which the survival advantage of bilateral internal thoracic artery revascularization persists among perceived “high-risk” patients, compared with the use of left internal thoracic artery alone. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel coronary artery disease at the Mayo Clinic between January 2000 and December 2015. Propensity score matching was performed between patients with bilateral internal thoracic artery and left internal thoracic artery alone grafts (1011 matched pairs). Effect of bilateral internal thoracic artery use on survival in “high-risk” patients (ejection fraction <40%, body mass index ≥30, age ≥70 years, diabetes, chronic lung disease, cerebrovascular accident) was evaluated. ResultsA total of 6468 isolated coronary artery bypass grafts were performed (5431 using left internal thoracic artery alone, 1037 using bilateral internal thoracic artery). There was an increasing trend in bilateral internal thoracic artery use (P value for linear trend = .005), with the percentage of coronary artery bypass grafting cases with bilateral internal thoracic artery doubling over the last 4 years (13% in 2012 to 27% in 2015). Propensity-matched comparisons showed a survival advantage for bilateral internal thoracic artery (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.99; P = .043). Risk of deep sternal wound infection, although higher in the bilateral internal thoracic artery group, was not significant (1.2% vs 0.5%; P = .088). None of the “high-risk” subsets of patients showed an adverse effect of bilateral internal thoracic artery on survival. ConclusionsBilateral internal thoracic artery use in coronary artery bypass grafting is increasing over time. There is a consistent survival benefit with bilateral internal thoracic artery use, extending to patients with higher-risk comorbidities, suggesting the need for further expansion in use of this technique.