Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.

Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Impact of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery on the chorioretinal biomicroscopic characteristics

BACKGROUND Most patients with cardiovascular disorders suffer from coronary artery diseases,which can be treated successfully using coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).One of the unpleasant events following CABG is postoperative vision loss(POVL).Vulnerability of retinal vessels to hemodynamic changes,an expectable event following CABG,may contribute to the development of POVL,which might be associated with the changes in the choroidal and retinal structures.AIM To investigate postoperative changes in chorioretinal and peripapillary nerve fiber layer(NFL)thickness,and progression of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy after CABG.METHODS In this prospective,cross-sectional study,49 eyes in 25 candidates for CABG underwent both ophthalmic and cardiovascular examinations within 6 mo prior to and 9 mo after surgery.RESULTS Among the study participants,56%were male with a mean age of 62.84 years±10.49 years(range 33–80 years).Diabetes mellitus was observed in eight participants(32%).None of the patients suffered from postoperative anterior or posterior ischemic optic neuropathy,central retinal artery occlusion,and cortical blindness.The mean value of the preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.11±0.10 logMAR(range,0–0.4),which worsened to 0.15±0.08 logMAR(range,0–0.4)after CABG(P=0.031).No significant difference was observed between the preand postsurgical choroidal(P=0.853)and macular(P=0.507)thickness,NFL thickness in the subfoveal(P>0.999)and peripapillary areas(P=0.659),as well as the severity of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy.CONCLUSION CABG may reduce visual acuity without affecting ocular structures.Postoperative vision reduction might be attributable to molecular or cellular variations,changes in visual pathway function,or central nervous system.

Clinical application of individualized total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting in coronary artery surgery

BACKGROUND Total arterial revascularization is associated with increased patency and long-term efficacy and decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality and incidence of cardiac-related events and sternal wound infection compared with conventional coronary artery bypass surgery(CABG),in which the left internal mammary artery(LIMA)is typically grafted to the left anterior descending artery with additional saphenous vein grafts often used.This study determined whether these favorable clinical results could be realized at the authors’institute.AIM To summarize the early efficacy and clinical experience of individualized total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.METHODS CABG was performed on 35 patients with non-single-vessel coronary artery disease by adopting total arterial grafts at Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between April 2016 and December 2019.LIMA was used in 35 patients,radial artery(RA)was used in 35 patients,and right gastroepiploic artery(RGEA)was used in 9 patients.Perioperative complications were observed,short-term graft patency rate was followed-up,and quality of life was assessed.RESULTS All patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass and the surgeries were successful.All of them were discharged without any complications or deaths.During the follow-up,it was found that patients’angina symptoms were relieved and New York Heart Association classification for cardiac function was class I to class II.A total of 90 vessels were grafted with no occlusion for internal mammary artery,three occlusions for RA,and one occlusion for RGEA.CONCLUSION The individualized total arterial strategy based on the vessels targeting individual anatomic characteristics can achieve complete revascularization with satisfactory short-term grafting patency rate.

Using Magnesium Sulfate to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A Single Centre Experience in Bangladesh

Background: Atrial fibrillation commonly occurs following cardiac surgery, particularly after coronary artery bypass grafting. Magnesium, known for its stabilizing effect on cell membranes, has shown promise in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to assess the impact of intravenous magnesium infusion in preventing atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, where maintaining stable cell membranes is crucial in averting this complication. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from March 2020 to February 2022. Sixty-six patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A (n = 33) received intravenous magnesium sulfate (10 mmol/2.47gm) for three days after surgery, while Group B (n = 33) did not receive magnesium sulfate. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within three days after surgery was evaluated using convenient sampling. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.0, utilizing independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant differences in age or gender were observed between the two groups. Group B exhibited significantly lower magnesium levels than Group A on the 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days post-surgery. Additionally, Group B experienced a higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, longer ICU stays, and two mortalities. The study did not detect any adverse effects associated with magnesium infusion. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that administering magnesium intravenously after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting can lower the chances of developing atrial fibrillation. This demonstrates the potential advantages of using magnesium as a preventative measure for postoperative atrial fibrillation in such cases.

Long-Term Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Risk Stratification

Background: Risk stratification of long-term outcomes for patients undergoing Coronary artery bypass grafting has enormous potential clinical importance. Aim: To develop risk stratification models for predicting long-term outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We retrospectively revised the electronic medical records of 2330 patients who underwent adult Cardiac surgery between August 2016 and December 2022 at Madinah Cardiac Center, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria of CABG operations with a complete follow-up period of at least 24 months, and data reporting. The collected data included patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, pharmacotherapy, echocardiographic parameters, procedural details, postoperative data, in-hospital outcomes, and follow-up data. Our follow-up was depending on the clinical status (NYHA class), chest pain recurrence, medication dependence and echo follow-up. A univariate analysis was performed between each patient risk factor and the long-term outcome to determine the preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors significantly associated with each long-term outcome. Then a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with a stepwise, forward selection procedure. Significant (p < 0.05) risk factors were identified and were used as candidate variables in the development of a multivariable risk prediction model. Results: The incidence of all-cause mortality during hospital admission or follow-up period was 2.3%. Other long-term outcomes included all-cause recurrent hospitalization (9.8%), recurrent chest pain (2.4%), and the need for revascularization by using a stent in 5 (3.0%) patients. Thirteen (4.4%) patients suffered heart failure and they were on the maximum anti-failure medications. The model for predicting all-cause mortality included the preoperative EF ≤ 35% (AOR: 30.757, p = 0.061), the bypass time (AOR: 1.029, p = 0.003), and the duration of ventilation following the operation (AOR: 1.237, p = 0.021). The model for risk stratification of recurrent hospitalization comprised the preoperative EF ≤ 35% (AOR: 6.198, p p = 0.023), low postoperative cardiac output (AOR: 3.622, p = 0.007), and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AOR: 2.787, p = 0.038). Low postoperative cardiac output was the only predictor that significantly contributed to recurrent chest pain (AOR: 11.66, p = 0.004). Finally, the model consisted of low postoperative cardiac output (AOR: 5.976, p < 0.001) and postoperative ventricular fibrillation (AOR: 4.216, p = 0.019) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the future need for revascularization using a stent. Conclusions: A risk prediction model was developed in a Saudi cohort for predicting all-cause mortality risk during both hospital admission and the follow-up period of at least 24 months after isolated CABG surgery. A set of models were also developed for predicting long-term risks of all-cause recurrent hospitalization, recurrent chest pain, heart failure, and the need for revascularization by using stents.

Effects of sevoflurane on left ventricular function by speckletracking echocardiography in coronary bypass patients: A randomized trial

The present study aimed to dynamically observe the segmental and global myocardial movements of the left ventricle during coronary artery bypass grafting by transesophageal speckle-tracking echocardiography,and to assess the effect of sevoflurane on cardiac function.Sixty-four patients scheduled for the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into a sevoflurane-based anesthesia(AS)group and a propofolbased total intravenous anesthesia(AA)group.The AS group demonstrated a higher absolute value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain than that of the AA group at both T1(after harvesting all grafts and before coronary anastomosis)and T_(2)(30 min after completing all coronary anastomoses)(P<0.05).Moreover,strain improvement in the segment with the highest preoperative strain was significantly reduced in the AS group,compared with the AA group at both T1 and T_(2)(P<0.01).The flow of the left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending artery graft was superior,and the postoperative concentration of troponin T decreased rapidly in the AS group,compared with the AA group(P<0.05).Compared with total intravenous anesthesia,sevoflurane resulted in a significantly higher global longitudinal strain,stroke volume,and cardiac output.Sevoflurane also led to an amelioration in the condition of the arterial graft.Furthermore,sevoflurane significantly reduced strain improvement in the segmental myocardium with a high preoperative strain value.The findings need to be replicated in larger studies.

Physiology of in-situ arterial revascularization in coronary artery bypass grafting: Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative factors and influences

Surgical revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) has become established as the most effective interventional therapy for patients with moderately severe and severe stable ischemic heart disease(SIHD). This recommendation is based on traditional 5-year outcomes of mortality and avoidance of myocardial infarction leading to reintervention and/or cardiac death. However, these results are confounded in that they challenge the traditional CABG surgical tenets of completeness of anatomic revascularization, the impact of arterial revascularization on late survival, and the lesser impact of secondary prevention following CABG on late outcomes. Moreover, the emergence of physiologic-based revascularization with percutaneous cardiovascular intervention as an alternative strategy for revascularization in SIHD raises the question of whether there are similar physiologic effects in CABG. Finally, the ongoing ISCHEMIA trial is specifically addressing the importance of the physiology of moderate or severe ischemia in optimizing therapeutic interventions in SIHD. So it is time to address the role that physiology plays in surgical revascularization. The long-standing anatomic framework for surgical revascularization is no longer sufficient to explain the mechanisms for short-term and long-term outcomes in CABG. Novel intraoperative imaging technologies have generated important new data on the physiologic blood flow and myocardial perfusion responses to revascularization on an individual graft and global basis. Long-standing assumptions about technical issues such as competitive flow are brought into question by real-time visualization of the physiology of revascularization. Our underestimation of the impact of Guideline Directed Medical Therapy, or Optimal Medical Therapy, on the physiology of preoperative SIHD, and the full impact of secondary prevention on post-intervention SIHD, must be better understood. In this review, these issues are addressed through the perspective of multi-arterial revascularization in CABG, which is emerging(after 30 years) as the "standard of care" for CABG. In fact, it is the physiology of these arterial grafts that is the mechanism for their impact on long-term outcomes in CABG. Moreover, a better understanding of all of these preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative components of the physiology of revascularization that will generate the next, more granular body of knowledge about CABG, and enable surgeons to design and execute a better surgical revascularization procedure for patients in the future.

Sevoflurane Versus Propofol for Myocardial Protection in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective To systematically review randomized controlled trials to compare myocardial protection profiles of sevoflurane with propofol in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） surgery. Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing sevoflurane with propofol for protecting myocardium in adult patients undergoing CABG surgery. Two authors independently extracted patients＇ perioperative data, including patients＇ baseline characteristics, surgical variables, and outcome data. For continuous variables, treatment effects were calculated as weighted mean difference （WMD） and 95% confidential interval （C/）. For dichotomous data, treatment effects were calculated as odds ratio （OR） and 95% CI. Each outcome was tested for heterogeneity, and randomized-effects or fixed-effects model was used in the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity （Q test P〈0.05）. Sensitivity analyses were done by examining the influence of statistical model on estimated treatment effects. Publication bias was explored through visual inspection of funnel plots of the outcomes. Statistical significance was defined as P〈0.05. Results Our search yielded 13 studies including 696 patients, and 402 patients were allocated into sevoflurane group and 294 into propofol group. There was no significant difference in postoperative mechanical ventilation time, inotropic support, mortality, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation between the two groups （all P〉0.05）. Patients randomized into sevoflurane group had higher post-bypass cardiac index （WMD=0.39, 95% CI： 0.18 to 0.60, P=0.0003）, lower troponin I level （WMD=-0.82, 95% CI：-0.87 to -0.85, P=0.0002）, lower incidence of myocardial ischemia （OR=0.37, 95% CI： 0.16 to 0.83, P=0.02）, shorter ICU and hospital stay length （WMD=-10.99, 95% CI： -12.97 to -9.01, P〈0.00001; WMD=-0.78, 95% CI： -1.00 to -0.56, P〈0.00001, respectively）. Conclusion This meta-analysis has found some evidence showing that sevoflurane has better myocardial protection than propofol in CABG surgery.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using a bilateral internal mammary artery Y graft

Objective To evaluate the outcome of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCABG） using a bilateral internal mammary artery （BIMA） Y configuration graft to achieve total arterial myocardial revascularization. Methods From October 2002 to December 2008, 208 patients （196 males and 12 females） underwent OPCABG using a BIMA Y configuration graft. The average age of the patients was 56.5 ± 11.3 years, with an age range of 33-78 years. A total of 167 （80.2%） cases had triple-vessel disease. Left main stem disease was found in 33 （15.9%） cases, and double-vessel disease was found in 8 （3.9%） cases. The semi-skeletonization technique was used to harvest the two internal mammary arteries （IMAs）, and then the free right internal mammary artery was connected end-to-side to the left internal mammary artery （LIMA） in situ to complete the Y configuration graft. Off-pump and sequential anastomosis methods were used to perform coronary artery bypass surgery in all patients. Graft patency was assessed intm-operatively with the HT311 transit time flowmeter. Results A total of 728 distal anastomoses were performed in 208 patients, with the average being 3.5± 1.3 per person. No one died or experienced recurrent angina within 30 days after the operation. Conclusions OPCABG using the BIMA Y graft was safe and effective to achieve total arterial revascularization. This method avoids surgical operation on the ascending aorta and other incisions.

Redo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Revascularization Techniques

Objective To analyze the short-term outcomes of redo coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) using on-pump and off-pump CABG techniques. Methods From January 2003 to August 2013, non-randomized 80 patients were treated with redo CABG in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital. Among these patients, 40 underwent on-pump CABG technique(redo-ONCAB group) and 40 underwent off-pump CABG technique(redo-OPCAB group). Furthermore, transmyocardial laser revascularization was performed in high-risk patients who were not suitable to conventional grafting. Clinical data of the two groups were recorded and analyzed including operation time, coronary grafts, incomplete revascularization, postoperative ventilation, perioperative stroke, and low output syndrome, etc. Results There were no significantly differences in age, gender distribution, incidences of hypertension, stroke, and other clinical characteristics between redo-OPCAB group and redo-ONCAB group(all P>0.05), except for incidences of renal dysfunction and pulmonary disease(all P<0.05). The number of grafting vessels in the redo-ONCAB and redo-OPCAB groups was 2.1 ± 0.74 and 1.4 ±0.52 respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups(P=0.0243). Compared with the redo-ONCAB group, there was shorter operation time(P=0.0045), postoperative ventilation(P=0.0211) and intensive care unit stay(P=0.0400), as well as fewer use of platelet(P=0.0338) and blood transfusion(P=0.0034) in the redo-OPCAB group. The incidence of incomplete revascularization(P=0.0253) and the use of transmyocardial laser revascularization(P=0.0052) were higher in the redo-OPCAB group than those in the redo-ONCAB group(all P<0.05). However, no significant differences were showed for the incidence of the use of intra aortic balloon pump and continuous renal replacement therapy, perioperative stroke, low output syndrome, and in-hospital mortality between the two groups(all P>0.05). Conclusion Redo CABG is the safety and efficacy surgical procedure, and redo-OPCAB technique with better outcomes is commended especially in high-risk patients.

A nursing protocol targeting risk factors for reducing postoperative delirium in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting:Results of a prospective before-after study

Objective: The results of postoperative delirium (POD) warrant testing for prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a nursing intervention targeting risk factors could decrease the inci-dence of POD among patients who had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in China.Methods: A prospective before-after study was conducted between April 2014 and April 2015. A nursing delirium intervention protocol targeting risk factors for delirium was performed for 141 patients un-dergoing CABG in a cardiothoracic ICU from November 2014 to April 2015. Intervention consisted of screening for delirium risk factors, followed by targeted risk factor modification, including pain control, early catheter removal, patient orientation using the 5W1H procedure, increased family visits, mini-mizing care-related interruptions, comfortable nursing and monitoring for sleeping difficulties. Out-comes of the Intervention Group were compared with those of the Control Group for 137 CABG patients from April 2014 to October 2014. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU). The sample size was justified by PASS2000, based on previous data of delirium incidence in our institution (30%). Main results: Delirium incidence during the first seven postoperative days was significantly lower in the Intervention Group at 13.48%(19/141) vs. 29.93%(41/137) for the Control Group (x2=11.112, P=0.001). In addition, POD in the Intervention Group occurred between the 3rd and 6th postoperative days, while POD in the Control Group mainly occurred on the first three days postoperatively. Delirium in the Intervention Group occurred later than delirium in the Control Group (x2=12.743, P<0.001). Length of ICU stay was reduced significantly (Z= -6.026, P<0.001). Conclusion: The application of a nursing protocol targeting risk factors in this study seems to be asso-ciated with a lower incidence of POD in patients after CABG. This finding suggests that managing the predictors properly is one of the effective strategies to prevent delirium.

Coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant resection for carcinoma of lung

A 69-year-old woman with angina had a lesion in the left lower lobe on chest film. Angiography revealed coronary artery disease in three vessels. Combined off pump coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） and left lower lobectomy were performed through median sternotomy. This approach avoids complications due to staged operations and cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB）. This report shows that simultaneous off pump CABG and pulmonary operations can be performed safely in patients with coronary artery disease （CAD） associated with lung cancer.

Application of Endoscopic Vein Harvesting in Obese Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic vein harvesting （EVH） for coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） in obese patients. Totally, 153 obese patients who underwent EVH （n=81） or standard bridging technique （SBT, n=72） in CABG surgery from May 2012 to October 2014 in our hospital were enrolled in this retrospective non-randomized controlled study. The general situation of operation, postoperative complications and short medium-term outcomes were analyzed. The baseline characteristics were similar between these two groups （P〉0.05）. There were no statistical differences in total operation time （226±28 min vs. 224±30 min, P〉0.05）, number of damaged vessels （0.12±0.05 vs. 0.16±0.06, P〉0.05） and short medium-term outcomes including revascularization rate （1.25% vs. 2.78%, P〉0.05）, vessel dysfunction rate （11.25% vs. 11.11%, P〉0.05） and mortality （0.00% vs. 0.00%, P〉0.05）. Use of EVH was associated with significant reduction of total harvesting time （41±6 min vs. 63±11 min, P〈0.05）, incision length （4.4±1.1 cm vs. 18.2±4.5 cm, P〈0.05） and postoperative lower extremity complications （P〈0.05）. EVH can reduce the risk of wound complications, whereas does not influence short- and medium-term outcomes in obese patients. It can be considered a reliable procedure of harvesting vessel conduits for obese patients undergoing CABG.

Long term outcomes of drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease： a meta-analysis

Background It is still controversial whether percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent （DES） is safe and effective compared to coronary artery bypass graft surgery （CABG） for unprotected left main coronary artery （ULMCA） disease at long-term follow up （≥3 years）. Methods Eligible studies were selected by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to December 6, 2016. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction （MI） or stroke during the longest follow-up. Death, cardiac death, MI, stroke and repeat revascularization were the secondary outcomes. Results Four randomized controlled trials and twelve adjusted observational studies involving 14,130 patients were included. DES was comparable to CABG regarding the occurrence of the primary endpoint （FIR = 0.94, 95% CI： 0.86-1.03）. Besides, DES was significantly associated with higher incidence of MI （HR = 1.56, 95% CI： 1.09-2.22） and repeat revascularization （HR = 3.09, 95% CI： 2.33-4.10） compared with CABG, while no difference was found between the two strategies regard as the rate of death, cardiac death and stroke. Furthermore, DES can reduce the risk of the composite endpoint of death, MI or stroke （HR = 0.80, 95% CI： 0.67-0.95） for ULMCA lesions with SYNTAX score ≤32. Conclusions Although with higher risk of repeat revascularization, PCI with DES appears to be as safe as CABG for ULMCA disease at long-term follow up. In addition, treatment with DES could be an alternative interventional strategy to CABG for ULMCA lesions with low to intermediate anatomic complexity.

Predictors of post coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation

Objective： To investigate the incidence and relative risk factors of post coronary artery bypass grafting（post-CABG） atrial fibrillation （AF）. Methods： 312 patients with CABG were reviewed and divided into an AF group and a non-AF group. Statistical analysis was used to compare the data between the two groups and screen for risk factors of post-CABG AF. Results： 103/312 （33.01%） patients developed post-CABG AF. Univariate analysis showed that patients in AF group compared with those in non-AF group were more likely to have advanced age （≥ 70 years）, early postoperative withdrawal of β-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement （≥40 mm）, a history of AF, prolonged p-wave duration （≥ 120 ms） and increased number of grafts （≥13）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age （≥70 years）, early postoperative withdrawal of β-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement （≥40 mm） and a history of AF were highly related to post-CABG AF. Conclusion： The incidence of AF in patients following CABG was 33.01% in this study. Advanced age, early postoperative withdrawal of 13-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement and a history of AF were independent risk factors of post-CABG AF.

Clinical Observation on Quality of Life in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients Treated According to Syndrome Differentiation of TCM

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect and quality of life (QOL) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients treated according to syndrome differentiation of TCM. Methods: Eighty-two CABG patients were allocated in the control group (n = 39) treated with conventional method of western medicine, and the TCM-treated group (n

Surgical strategies for severely atherosclerotic(porcelain)aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting

Porcelain aorta(PA)is an asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease,characterized by circumferential calcification throughout the whole perimeter of the aorta.It is seen in 2%to 9.3%of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and makes manipulation of the ascending aorta impossible.It has been clearly shown that most emboli seen and detected during the CABG procedure occur during aortic cross-clamping and aortic side-clamping.Manipulation of porcelain or a severely atherosclerotic aorta increases the risk of perioperative stroke.The incidence of stroke after CABG is between 0.48%and 2.9%,and the risk is correlated with the extent and severity of the atherosclerotic disease.A conventional CABG procedure involves successive steps that include cannulation of the ascending aorta,application of a cross-clamp to the aorta,and partial clamping of the aorta to create the proximal anastomosis.Therefore in procedures that involve cannulation,clamping,or proximal anastomosis,and where aortic manipulation is inevitable,preassessment of the atherosclerotic aortic plaques is crucial.Although many surgeons still rely on intraoperative manual aortic palpation,this approach has very low sensitivity and underestimates the severity of the atherosclerotic illness.Imaging methods including preoperative computed tomography or intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography enable modification of the surgical technique according to the severity of atherosclerosis.Various surgical techniques have been described to reduce the risk of atheroembolism that may lead to cerebrovascular events in patients with severely atherosclerotic ascending aorta.Anaortic or“no-touch”techniques that do not utilize aortic manipulation may significantly decrease the development of neurological complications by avoiding aortic maneuvers known to cause emboli.In cases where severe atherosclerotic disease or other factors preclude safe use of the ascending aorta,modifications in the surgical techniques,such as switching to different cannulation sites including the axillary/subclavian,femoral and innominate arteries,or using hypothermic ventricular fibrillation and in-situ pedicled arterial grafts,or performing proximal anastomoses at alternative anatomical locations will enable CABG operations to be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality rates in patients with porcelain aortas.

Role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in coronary artery bypass grafting

Transesophapeal echocardiography （TEE） can be used as a diagnostic tool during cardiac surgery to direct the surgical procedure and diagnose unanticipated problems. TEE has also been one of the most important means of monitoring myocardial ischemia dur- ing coronary artery bypas grafting procedures. The cardiac anesthesiologist can apply intraoperative TEE in evaluating coronary artery anatomy and aorta atherosclerosis, assessing diastolic left ventricular function and preload,measuring intracardiac pressure and cardiac output,detecting ischaemic mitral regurgitation,intracardiac air and pericardial effusion.