Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Single-Center Study in Bangladesh

Background: Serum albumin, a vital plasma protein, helps maintain intravascular colloidal osmotic pressure, cardiac output, and renal function. Low preoperative serum albumin is linked to poor outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI), after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. This study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and early postoperative renal injury. Methods: This prospective comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to February 2021 at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Bangladesh. It included 160 adult patients with normal preoperative renal function undergoing OPCAB. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (serum albumin ≥ 4.0 gm/dl) and Group B (serum albumin Results: Preoperative serum albumin was significantly different between groups (Group A: 4.21 ± 0.05 gm/dl, Group B: 3.69 ± 0.04 gm/dl, p = 0.028). Group B had a higher incidence of hypertension (71.25% vs. 51.25%, p st and 3rd postoperative days were higher in Group B (p th day. Postoperative AKI occurred in 18.75% of Group A and 36.25% of Group B. Multivariate regression indicated that low preoperative serum albumin is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI (p = 0.012, OR = 1.815, CI: 0.675 - 1.162). Conclusion: Preoperative serum albumin level is a valuable predictor of postoperative renal function. Ensuring high normal serum albumin levels before surgery can help minimize the risk of postoperative AKI.

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.

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.

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.

The Treatment of Ostial Coronary Arteriopathy Secondary to Thoracic Irradiation With Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Case Report and Review of Literatures

Objectives We report a case in which a patient who suffered from angina secondary to mediastinal irradiation and have been treated by off-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB） in our hospital since 3 years ago. A 34-year-old man presented with angina for 8 years after receiving radiation therapy for Hodgkin＇s lymphoma. We retrospectively reviewed all the cases of OPCAB in our hospital and followed-up data for up to 3 years post-operatively. Mediastinal irradiation is probably the cause of significant ostial stenosis of left main coronary and right coronary artery. OPCAB grafting was performed on this patient 3 years ago. His angina disappeared after operation, and he recovered well during follow-up. Conclusions Patients with malignancies who have received mediastinal irradiation should be carefully followed up and routinely screened for the premature development of coronary artery disease. OPCAB may be an appropriate treatment for coronary artery disease caused by mediastinal irradiation.

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.

The Role of Electrocardiogram DETERMINE Score in Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity

Background: A major cause of mortality and disability on a global scale is myocardial infarction (MI). These days, the most reliable way to detect and measure MI is via cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Electrocardiogram DETERMINE Score in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who have experienced an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) & to assess improvements in left ventricular function at 6 months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Subjects and Methods: This Observational cohort study was done at the Cardiology and Radiology department and cardiac surgery department, Al-Azhar university hospitals and Helwan University hospital. The study involved 700 cases who patients diagnosed with Acute Myocardial Infarction and fulfilled specific criteria for selection. Result: There was highly statistically significant relation between Myocardial infarction size and ECG Marker Score as mean infarct size elevated When the number of ECG markers increased. There was a highly statistically significant relation between myocardial infarct segments, myocardial infarction size and improvement of cardiac function 6 months post-CABG. Conclusion: The study found that larger myocardial infarctions corresponded with higher DETERMINE Scores. It concluded that an ECG-based score better estimates infarct size than LVEF alone. Additionally, there was a significant statistical correlation between the size and segmentation of myocardial infarction and better cardiac function six months after CABG.

Synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass graft: Four case reports

BACKGROUND One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)is stroke.The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%.Carotid stenosis(CS)is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.The optimal management of such patients has been a source of controversy.One of the possible surgical options is synchronous carotid endarterectomy(CEA)and CABG.Here,we have presented 4 cases of successful synchronous CEA and CABG.Our center’s experience with 4 cases of significant carotid artery stenosis,which were successfully managed with combined CEA and CABG,are detailed.The first case was a female who presented for CABG after a ST-elevation myocardial infarction.She had right internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion and 90%left ICA stenosis.The second case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had left ICA occlusion and 90%right ICA stenosis.The third case was a male with a history of stroke,two months prior to admission.He presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.Preoperatively,it was discovered that he had>90%right ICA stenosis.The final case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had bilateral>90%ICA stenosis.We have also reviewed the current evidence and guidelines for managing CS in patients undergoing CABG.CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that synchronous CEA and CABG was safe.A multicenter study with additional patients is needed.It is necessary for clinicians to screen for CS in high-risk patients with features.

Fractional flow reserve measured via left internal mammary artery after coronary artery bypass grafting:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The fractional flow reserve(FFR)has made the treatment of coronary heart disease more precise.However,there are few reports on the measurement of FFR via the left internal mammary artery(LIMA).Herein,we described the determination of further treatments by measuring FFR via the LIMA in 2 cases after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 66-year-old male who was admitted due to“chest tightness after CABG.”The patient underwent CABG 7 years prior due to coronary heart disease.Coronary artery angiography showed complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery(LAD),and subtotal occlusion of the third segment of the right coronary artery.On arterial angiography,there was 85%stenosis at the distal end of the anastomosis of the LIMA-LAD graft.FFR via LIMA was determined at 0.75.Thus,balloon dilation was performed in Case 1.FFR after balloon dilation was 0.94.Case 2 was a 60-year-old male who was admitted due to“chest tightness after CABG.”The patient underwent CABG 6 years prior due to coronary heart disease.There was 60%segmental stenosis in the middle segment of LAD and 75%anastomotic stenosis.FFR measured via LIMA was 0.83(negative);thus the intervention was not performed.Case 2 was given drug treatments.At the 3-mo follow-up,there was no recurrence of chest tightness or shortness of breath in both cases.They are currently under continual follow-up.CONCLUSION We provided evidence that FFR measurement via grafted blood vessels,especially LIMA,after CABG is a good method to determine the intervention course.

The effect of head and facial massage on sleep condition after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background:Sleep disorders after heart surgery lead to increased heart rate,myocardial oxygen demand,and cause dysrhythmia that worsens heart ischemia.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of head and facial massage on sleep conditions following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Materials and methods:A randomized controlled trial was performed on 72 patients.They were randomly divided into interventional(n=36)and control groups(n=36).On the third to fifth day after the operation,head and the facial massage were done for 15 min in the intervention group.The patients in the control group received only routine care.Richard Campbell’s Sleep Questionnaire was completed for four consecutive days for each group.Data were analyzed in SPSS V26.Results:Mean scores for sleep conditions before the intervention no statistically significant difference seen between the two groups(P>0.05).After the intervention,there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for sleep conditions of the interventional and control groups(P<0.001).Also with general estimated equation test compared mean scores for sleep conditions between two groups.That revealed sleep condition total score in the intervention group was more than the control group and the trend of changes over time was statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion:Head and facial massage is an effective nursing intervention in improving the sleep condition of patients after coronary artery bypass graft.Due to the fact that head and face massage is an easy method and brings patient satisfaction,it is recommended to use this method as a suitable supplement for drug therapy and postoperative interventions in these patients.

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.

Effect of Health Education Program on Self-Efficacy and Functional Capacity of Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Khartoum State-Sudan, 2015-2019

Coronary heart disease is among the most prevalent and costly of all global health problems. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been increasingly used since the 1960s. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, including Sudan. Self-efficacy and functional capacity is a critical factor for quality of life in patients who has undergone CABG as well as for their caregivers from their families. Aim of the Study: To explore the effects of an educational program on self-efficacy and functional capacity of patients after CABG. 1) There will be no significant difference between the intervention group and control group concerning knowledge regarding Self-efficacy and functional capacity post CABG surgery. 2) The application of our educational program for the patients will enhance the patients with CABG surgery and improve knowledge about Self-efficacy and functional capacity post CABG surgery. 3) There are some socio demographic factors that affect the response to the educational program. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, interventional and hospital-based study, including pre-test, a post-test and follow-up test, with a control group, conducted during the period from September 2014 to June 2019. Patients were recruited consecutively to the cases and control group using convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 76 patients;41 as cases and 35 as control group. The sample included those who had undergone CABG in Khartoum State. Relevant data were collected using a checklist to monitor the effect of a health education program on self-efficacy and functional capacity of the patients. Result: The results showed marked improvement in patients’ self-efficacy and functional capacity between pretest and posttest for the study group;p-value = (0.001) in the health status of cases in comparison to the control group. The indices were observed to be higher for patients who received a nursing educational program throughout the study period;p-value = (0.002).

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.

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.

Clopidogrel improves aspirin response after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

We sought to assess the incidence of aspirin resistance after off-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB） surgery, and investigate whether clopidogrel can improve aspirin response and be safely applied early after OPCAB surgery. Sixty patients who underwent standard OPCAB surgery were randomized into two groups. One group （30 patients） received mono-antiplatelet treatment （MAPT） with aspirin 100 mg daily and the other group received dual anfiplatelet treatment （DAPT） with aspirin 100 mg daily plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily. Platelet aggregations in response to arachi- donic acid （PLAA） and adenosine diphosphate （ADP） （PLADP） were measured preoperatively and on days 1 to 6, 8 and 10 after the antiplatelet agents were administered. A PLAA level above 20% was defined as aspirin resistance. Postoperative bleeding and other perioperative variables were also recorded. There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, average number of distal anastomosis, operation time, postoperative bleeding, ventilation time and postoperative hospital stay. However, the incidence of aspirin resistance was significantly lower in the DAPT group than that in the MAPT group on the first and second day after antiplatelet agents were given （62.1% vs, 32.1%, 34.5% vs. 10.7%, respectively, both P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in postoperative complication between the two groups. DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel can be safely applied to OPCAB patients early after the procedure. Moreover, clopidogrel reduces the incidence of OPCAB-related aspirin resistance.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus optimal medical therapy alone：effectiveness of incomplete revascularization in high risk patients

BackgroundGeriatric patients with multivessel coronary artery disease （CAD） are a challenging group to treat; these cases elicit dis-cussion within heart teams regarding the actual benefit of undertaking major surgery on these patients and often lead to abandon the surgical option. Percutaneous procedures represent an important option, but coronary anatomy may be unfavorable. Off-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB） provides good quality graft on left anterior descending （LAD） without exposing the patient to cardiopulmonary bypass, and might be the ideal choice in patients with multiple comorbidities, not eligible to percutaneous or on-pump procedures. The objective of this study was to compare survival during a mid-term follow-up in high-risk patients with no percutaneous alternative, either treated with OPCAB or discharged in medical therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated from June 2008 to June 2013, 83 high-risk patients with multivessel CAD were included： 42 were treated with incomplete off-pump revascularization using left internal mammary artery （LIMA） on LAD; 41 were discharged in optimal medical therapy （OMT）, having refused surgery. Follow-up ended in March 2015, with a telephonic interview. Primary endpoint was survival from all-cause mortality; secondary endpoints were survival from cardiac-related mortality and freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events （MACEs）.ResultsDuring follow up, 11 deaths in OPCAB group and 27 deaths in OMT group occurred. Death was due to cardiac factors in 6 and 15 patients, respectively. MACEs were observed in 6 patients in OPCAB group and in 4 patients in OMT group. With regards to survival from all-cause mortality, patients who underwent OPCAB survived more than those dis-charged in OMT （Log Rank ＆lt; 0.001）, and OMT group carries a propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio of 3.862 （P ＆lt; 0.001）. With regards to survival from cardiac-related events, patients who underwent OPCAB survived more than those discharged in OMT （Log Rank = 0.002）, and OMT group carries a propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio of 3.663 （P = 0.010）. There is no statistically significant difference concerning freedom from MACEs （Log Rank = 0.273）.ConclusionsFor high-risk patients with multivessel CAD, not eligible to on-pump complete revascularization surgery or percutaneous procedures, incomplete revascularization with OPCAB LIMA-on-LAD offers benefits in survival when compared to OMT alone.

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.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting： which is better in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease？

To evaluate the clinic outcome of off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCABG) of patients with coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we collected and analyzed 1998-2002 data on 28 patients with these two diseases who had received off-pump coronary bypass operation in our hospital, and compared with data on those who also had the same two diseases but received on-pump coronary artery bypass at same time. There were no operation-related death;one died of respiratory failure 14 days after operation while staying in hospital; there were more respiratory complications in the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting group (CCABG) than in the OPCABG group; and the PaO2/FiO2 in the CCABG group was higher than that in the OPCABG group during operation because of CPB, but lower than that in the OPCABG group 6-12 hours after operation. OPCABG seemed more suitable than CCABG for coronary artery disease patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to less damage to their oxygen-exchange capability and the fewer respiratory complications.

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.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: Misperceptions and misconceptions

Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) continues to be one of the most commonly performed cardiac surgical procedures worldwide. Conventional CABG performed on cardiopulmonary bypass termed on-pump CABG is regarded as the gold standard. However, on-pump CABG results in several physiologic derangements including but not limited to thrombocytopenia, activation of complement factors, immune suppression, and inflammatory responses leading to organ dysfunction.Furthermore, manipulating an atherosclerotic ascending aorta during cannulation and cross-clamping can predispose to embolization and stroke risk. Recognition of these detrimental effects of on-pump CABG resulted in resurgence of off-pump CABG nearly two decades ago.Off-pump CABG since its resurgence has been a subject of intensive scrutiny and speculation. Despite numerous retrospective nonrandomized studies, prospective randomized trials, and meta-analyses validating the safety and efficacy of off-pump CABG, opponents of the technique have persistently demanded abandonment of off-pump CABG. Several misconceptions and misperceptions are used as an excuse for such demands. This review article examines published scientific evidence to evaluate these misperceptions and misconceptions about off-pump CABG.