Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Comparison in Terms of Patient Symptoms

Background: The aim of this study is to compare radial artery with saphenous vein grafts which are widely used for coronary bypass, from views of patients’ satisfaction and postoperative findings. Methods: 42 isolated coronary bypass (CABG) patients performed during November 2012-April 2013 are included in the study. 30 days after the operation, in patients who had both RA and SV removal made responses to a questionnaire form which included 6 questions about symptoms of extremity. Results: After analyzing the responses and physical examination, there was no difference in terms of quality of life and usefulness of the extremity for daily use between two grafts. 2 patients (2%) have wound infection on the saphenous vein incision and additional surgical procedure was performed and a scar tissue has occurred. There was no statistically significance between uncomfortable symptoms and demographic data. Conclusion: Our study suggested that RA graft using showed a bit more comfortable and suitable effect against SV in our patients. We think that radial arterial grafts should be used more widely in coronary surgery with selected patients.

Total Arterial Revascularization with Internal Mammary Artery or Radial Artery π Graft Configuration

Summary： To investigate the clinical use of π graft in total arterial revascularization and its outcomes, a retrospective analysis of 23 patients out of 1000 patients undergoing total arterial coronary bypass surgery with a π graft between September 1994 and December 2004 was performed. In the selected patients for the management of triple vessel disease with middle diagonal/intermediate ramus disease such that a skip with the left internal mammary artery （LIMA） or radial artery （RA）, the main stem of π graft, to the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） will not work and the right internal mammary artery （RIMA） or right gastroepiploic artery （RGEA） cannot pick up the diagonal/intermediate ramus, hence the LAD and diagonal/intermediate ramus were grafted with a mini Y graft using the distal segment of LIMA, RIMA, RA or RGEA, together with the bilateral internal mammary artery （BIMA） or LIMA-RA T graft to compose π graft. Twenty-three patients （18 males, 5 females） underwent the π graft procedure. There were no deaths or episodes of myocardial infarction, stroke, and deep sternal wound infection. One patient required reopening for controlling bleeding. Until the end of 2004, during a mean follow-up of 81.0±28.4 months, no angina needing re intervention or operative therapy or coronary related death occurred. In conclusion, in patients with specific coronary artery anatomy/stenosis, the BIMA （sometimes LIMA with RA or RGEA） π graft can be successfully performed for total arterial revascularization with good midterm outcomes.

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.

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.

Efficacy of patient-controlled hydromorphone analgesia in those undergoing uterine fibroid artery embolization via the right radial artery

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) with hydromorphone as perioperative analgesia during uterine artery embolization(UAE) via the right radial artery.Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients with uterine fibroids, who underwent UAE at the authors’ hospital between June 2021 and March 2022, were selected. Hydromorphone(10 mg) was dispensed into a 100 ml PCA pump with normal saline. Pump administration was initiated 15 min before the start of the procedure, and the intraoperative dose was adjusted according to patient pain level. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain immediately after embolization, 5 min after embolization, at the end of the procedure, and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the procedure. Side effects were also observed.Results: Thirty-three patients underwent uterine artery embolization via the right radial artery. Patient pain was well controlled at all time points surveyed, and patients reported satisfaction with analgesia. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There were 7 cases of adverse reactions, but no serious side effects were observed.Conclusion: Patients reported positive experiences with arterial embolization of uterine fibroids via the right radial artery. Hydromorphone PCA effectively controlled pain. The PCA pump is easy to operate, has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and offers economic benefits at the patient and institutional levels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comparative study of graft flow between on-pump and off-pump coronary bypass surgery for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

Objective： To Comparatively study grafts flow between on-pump and off-pump coronary bypass surgery for patients with triple coronary artery disease. Methods ： The grafts flow was studied in 100 patients of OPCAB and compared with 100 cases of CCABG by means of Medi-Stim Butterfly Flowmeter measurement intraoperatively. Results： The mean number of the distal anastomosis was 3.78＋ 1.11 in CCABG group, and 3.83 ＋ 0.93 in OPCAB group. The index of completeness of revascularization in CCABG group was 1.01 ＋ 0.08, and 1.10＋ 0.09 in OPCAB group. The flow of grafts was satisfied in all patients. The PI values were all under 5. There was no significant difference in the mean graft flow and PI value between two groups. Conclusion： OPCAB can provide the same grafts flow and similar completeness of revascularization when compared with CCABG which indicates the similar anastomosis quality of grafts in OPCAB and CCABG groups.

Comparison of Clinical Value between Right Distal Radial Artery Access and Right Radial Artery Access in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective:To compare the feasibility and safety between right distal radial artery access and right radial artery access in patients undergoing coronary angiography(CAG)or percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:On the basis of arterial access,113 patients who underwent CAG or PCI in Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January and October 2018 were divided into two groups:a right distal radial artery group(52 patients)and a right radial artery group(61 patients).We collected general information,the number of puncture attempts,access times,postoperative compression time,and complications.Results:The general characteristics,rate of successful radial artery puncture,and rate of successful catheter placement in the two groups were not different.The right radial artery group had fewer puncture attempts(1.26±0.44 times vs.2.19±0.53 times,P=0.001)and a shorter access time(3.23±0.86 min vs.4.77±1.49 min,P=0.001)than the right distal radial artery group.However,the postoperative compression time in the right distal radial artery group was shorter(3.44±0.9 h vs.7.16±1.21 h,P=0.001).Two cases of bleeding,four cases of hematoma,and one case of artery occlusion in the right radial artery group and one case of hematoma in the right distal artery group occurred before discharge.The rate of total complications in the right distal radial artery group was lower than in the right radial artery group(1.93%vs.11.48%,P=0.048).Conclusion:CAG or PCI through the right distal radial artery is feasible and safe.

Postoperative Complications and Patient＇s Satisfaction after Harvesting of the Radial Artery for Coronary Artery Bypass

Objectives： There is a paucity of data regarding wound-site complications and patient＇s satisfaction after harvesting of a radial artery. This study is conducted to evaluate the frequency complications and the level of patient＇s satisfaction after myocardial revascularization in our setting. Methods： From April 2009 to October 2013, 97 patients had radial artery （RA） used as a graft in myocardial revascularization. The graft was harvested using open technique. This was retrospective study. Telephone questionnaire was used to evaluate： arm pain, swelling, mobility, sensory changes, patient＇s contentment with a cosmetic result and the general health state. Results： Pain of limited duration was reported by 24 patients （24.7%）, none of them reported permanent pain. Some problems in performing everyday＇s activities were reported by 8 pts （8.2%）. Sensory changes were permanently present in 5 pts （5.2%）, and frequent arm fatigue was reported by 4 pts （4.1%）. Positive opinion regarding the cosmetic result was reported by 95 pts （97.9%）. State of the health after surgery, 81 pts （83.5%） described as excellent or good. Patients who had more mobility problems, also had more sensory and neurological discomfort respectively. Patients with better self-reported general health state were also more satisfied with the esthetic effect of the intervention. Conclusions： Using the open technique resulted in excellent cosmetic effect. This gives us credit to point out that exclusive need of the endoscopic as a supreme method might be under the question mark. Our study suggests that individual attitude of the particular patient plays extremely important role in his/her overall satisfaction with the end effect of the procedure.

Systematic comparison of the effectiveness of radial artery and saphenous vein or right internal thoracic artery coronary bypass grafts in non-left anterior descending coronary arteries

Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is increasingly being carried out on patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease,but the best grafting candidate for non-left anterior descending coronary arteries is unclear.This research sought to systematically compare the efficacies and safeties of coronary bypass with radial artery and other available grafts.A systematic literature retrieval was performed for all clinical trials comparing the outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery with radial artery and other grafts in PubMed,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library.Seven eligible clinical studies,comparing radial artery and great saphenous vein grafts,were found between 1966 and 2010:one prospective non-randomized and six prospective randomized trials.The pooling analysis obtained a relative risk of 0.507 (P<0.05) of graft occlusion in radial arteries compared with great saphenous veins.There was a significantly lower infection rate in arms (i.e.,harvest sites for radial arteries) relative to legs (harvest sites for veins),with a pooled relative risk of 0.140 (P<0.05).From the reports on mortality after follow-up ranging from one year to six years,there was no significant difference in mortality between the two graft types (P=0.927).In addition,four cohort controlled trials for radial and right internal thoracic artery grafts were included.The radial graft was associated with less cardiac related events relative to the right internal thoracic artery graft (P=0.014),but with comparable mortality and comparable rates of repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.Subjects with radial arteries seemed to have a lower occlusion rate and a lower graft harvest site infection rate than those with great saphenous veins.Moreover there were fewer cardiac related events with radial arteries relative to the right internal thoracic artery grafts.More studies are needed to confirm these findings concerning the favorable outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting with radial arteries on long-term patency and mortality.

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.

Radial artery access site complications during cardiac procedures,clinical implications and potential solutions: The role of nitric oxide

Percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of coronary artery disease is most commonly performed in the UK through the radial artery,as this is considered to be safer than the femoral approach.However,despite improvements in technology and techniques,complications can occur.The most common complication,arterial spasm,can cause intense pain and,in some cases,procedural failure.The incidence of spasm is dependent on several variables,including operator experience,artery size,and equipment used.An antispasmolytic cocktail can be applied to reduce spasm,which usually includes an exogenous nitric oxide(NO)donor(glyceryl trinitrate).NO is an endogenous local vasodilator and therefore is a potential target for anti-spasm intervention.However,systemic administration can result in unwanted side-effects,such as hypotension.A method that adopts local delivery of NO might be advantageous.This review article describes the mechanisms involved in radial artery spasm,discusses the advantages and disadvantages of current strategies to reduce spasm,and highlight the potential of NO-loaded nanoporous materials for use in this setting.

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.

Randomized study comparing incidence of radial artery occlusion post-percutaneous coronary intervention between two conventional compression devices using a novel airinflation technique

AIM To compare post-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) radial artery occlusion(RAO) incidence between two conventional radial artery compression devices using a novel air-inflation technique.METHODS One hundred consecutive patients post-PCI were randomized 1:1 to Safeguard or TR band compression devices. Post-radial sheath removal, each compression device was inflated with additional 2 m L of air above index bleeding point during air-filled device application and gradually down-titrated accordingly. RAO was defined as absence of Doppler flow signal performed at 24 h and at 6 wk post-PCI. Patients with missing data were excluded. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.RESULTS All patients had 6 F radial sheath inserted. No significant differences were observed between Safeguard Radial(n = 42) vs TR band(n = 42) in terms of age(63 ± 11 years vs 67 ± 11 years), clinical presentation(electives, n = 18 vs n = 16; acute coronary syndrome, n = 24 vs n = 26) and total procedural heparin(7778 ± 2704 IU vs 7825 ± 2450 IU). RAO incidence was not significantly different between groups at 24 h(2% vs 0%, P = 0.32) and 6 wk(0%, both).CONCLUSION Safeguard Radial and TR band did not demonstrate significant between-group differences in short-term RAO incidence. Lack of evidence of RAO in all postPCI patients at 6 wk follow-up, regardless of radial compression device indicate advantage of using the novel and pragmatic air-inflation technique. Further work is required to more accurately confirm these findings.