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: 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.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery for the treatment of left main with triple coronary artery disease

Objective：To obtain early results of off-pump coronarE~ artery bypass grafting（OPCAB） in patients with significant left main coronary artery（LMCA） and triple vessels stenosis by comparing with those of a similar group undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass surgery（CCAB）. Methods：Data for patients with significant LMCA and triple vessels stenosis who underwent CCAB or OPCAB were collected retrospectively between January 1999 and May 2006. Non-randomized, retrospective data analysis included demo- graphic and preoperative risk factors, operative details, clinical outcome and early follow-up. Results： The number of distal anastomo- sis and grafts varied from 3 to 6. The average number per patient was similar in the two groups （OPCAB group：3.76 ± 0.98, CCAB group：3.81 ± 1.02）. Thirty-day mortality occurred to one patient in the OPCAB group whereas two early deaths were observed in the CCAB group but did not reach statistical significance （P 〉 0.05）. The frequency of atrial fibrillation （AF）, IABP usage, mediastinitis, re-operation for bleeding （or tamponade） were similar in the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Postoperative inotropic requirements, peak CKMB, ventilation time, blood loss, FFP, RBC transfusion need and the length of ICU-stay were all significantly lower in the OPCAB group compared with CCAB group（P 〈 0.05）.Conclusion： Significant LMCA and triple-vessel stenosis can safely and effectively undergo myocardial revascularization using OPCAB surgery. LMCA should no longer be seen as a contraindication to perform OPCAB grafting.

Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation after Off-pump versus On-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting:A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials and Propensity Score Matching Trials

The association between atrial fibrillation（AF） after coronary artery bypass grafting（CABG） and the surgical techniques selected has been extensively reported. However, no consistent results were obtained. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching the electronic databases Pub Med, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane to identify the association of post-CABG AF with on-pump（conventional CABG, c CABG） or off-pump CABG（OPCABG）. Outcomes from randomized clinical trials（RCTs） and propensity score matching（PSM） trials were pooled by using the fixed-effect or the random-effect modeling method, and verified by the quality-effect modeling method. There were 35 studies with 36 independent reports that met the inclusion criteria and were eventually included in our meta-analysis. The total odds ratio（OR） of the incidence of post-CABG AF between OPCABG and c CABG was 0.80（95% CI 0.71–0.91）. The 25 randomized clinical trials（RCTs） had an OR of 0.69（95% CI 0.56–0.86）, while the OR of the 11 PSM trials was 0.88（95% CI 0.77–1.00）. Twenty-six studies involving the patients at a mean age no more than 65 years showed an OR of 0.76（95% CI 0.64–0.90）, whereas 10 studies with patients greater than 65 years old showed an OR of 0.90（95% CI 0.78–1.05）. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that OPCAB surgery may reduce the incidence of post-CABG AF when compared to c CABG and that younger patients may benefit more from OPCAB and have a lower incidence of post-CABG AF.

Role of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass —A Vettath Modification

Objective: Hemodynamic deterioration during positioning of the heart has been the most critical complication of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Pre-operative use of intra-aortic balloon pump has been shown to prevent this complication in high risk patients. The role of balloon pump in high risk patients has been questioned by our group. We modified the role of balloon pump in our patients, thus avoiding the conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: 4063 off-pump coronary bypass surgeries were performed by a single surgeon in our center, over thirteen years. 130 intra-aortic balloons used between July 2002 and December 2015 were removed from the the-ater, once the distal anastomosis was performed. We studied this group of patients for—time and need for insertion, duration of balloon used, local insertion problems and survival. Results: Initially, we inserted intra-aortic balloons in high risk patients. We observed that, patients with low ejection fraction and patients with critical left main coronary artery disease were not the ones who actually needed balloon pump support. It was the patients who had ongoing ischemia, with preserved left ventricular function, and ST depression intra-operatively, who needed balloon pump support to perform complete anatomical revascularization. Conclusions: Intra-aortic balloon pump has helped us to position the heart without hemodynamic instability, thereby avoiding conversion to cardio-pulmonary bypass. This enabled us to perform off-pump surgery in virtually all areas of the heart, thus maintaining perfect hemodynamics.

Nutritional supplement drink reduces inflammation and postoperative depression in patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical treatment for ischemic heart disease.Although development in surgical technique and improvement of perioperative management reduced the postoperative complications,some patients still delayed in progress of postoperative rehabilitation.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effect of daily intake of an herbal medicine-containing drink for rehabilitation after surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease.AIM To investigate the effect of taking an herbal medicine-containing,commercially available drink for postoperative rehabilitation in those patients.METHODS Patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass(OPCAB)surgery were divided into two groups depend on the timing of the admission to the hospital:the Yunker(YKR)group,that consumed one bottle of a caffeine-free nutritional supplement drink on a daily basis and the control group(CTL)that underwent regular rehabilitation.RESULTS A total of 229 patients(CTL=130,YKR=99)were enrolled.No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups.The YKR group had a significantly increased number of daily steps postoperatively(P<0.05)and had significantly lower postoperative serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels(P<0.01),while no significant differences were observed in the levels of other inflammatory or stress-related cytokines(interleukin-6,adiponectin,superoxide dismutase,and urine 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine)between the two groups.Also,the YKR group showed a significant improvement in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score(P<0.05).Moreover,there were no differences in postoperative complications and the duration of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the daily intake of an herbal medicine-containing drink after OPCAB surgery may have beneficial effects on cardiac rehabilitation by reducing inflammation markers and depression.

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.

Off-Pump CABG for Mulitvessel Coronary Artery Disease-Safe Incorporation into Surgical Practice

Introduction: Since its revival two decades ago development of the surgical technique, along with evidence and clinical outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) were brought into focus. Methods: We report a single surgeon, single center experience of the first 37 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump surgery. Patients were selected for OPCAB (study group) individually and matched retrospectively to a control group of 113 patients performed over an identical time frame. Data were retrieved from a hospital data base (TOMCAT). Results: Mean Logistic European System of Cardiac Operative Risk Stratification (EuroSCORE) was slightly higher in the off-pump group (3.8% versus 2.9%). One patient died during the study and this was in the off-pump CAB group (OPCAB-30 day mortality 2.7%). Operating time was slightly shorter in the off-pump group (3 hours 28 minutes versus 3 hours 49 minutes, p = 0.15). After exclusion of outliers, total hospital stay was significantly shorter for off-pump cases (mean 6.8 days versus 8.37 days), while Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (1.2 versus 1.4 days) and ventilation time were only slightly shorter (9.35 hours versus 10.6 hours) for off-pump cases. Chest tube drainage was significantly lower in the off-pump group (484 ml versus 744 ml, p = 0.04) with correspondingly slightly lower transfusion requirements and significantly increased discharge haemoglobin concentrations in OPCAB. There was one cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in the off-pump group and none in the on-pump group. Conclusion: In this study we show short term outcomes for introduction of off-pump into surgical technique. Length of ICU stay, ventilation times, chest tube drainage, transfusion re0 quirements and pre-discharge haemoglobin concentration all appeared superior in the off pump group. The off-pump technique was safely introduced into the surgeon`s service with relatively little mortality. Experience of surgeon was considered advantageous for fast adaption of the technique. However, numbers were too small to make strong inferences. With practice more patients should benefit from the technique.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation and Amino-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Patients After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objectives To investigate the possible role of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation （AF） after coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）. Methods This study group included 70 consecutive patients scheduled for elective off-pump CABG. The patients with ejection fraction （EF） less than 0. 30, history of AF, use of class Ⅰ or Ⅲ antiarrhythmic drug, implanted pacemaker, postoperative myocardial infarction or chest reopening for pericardial tamponade were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by radioimmunoassay technique. Results Postoperative AF occurred in 15 patients （21.4%）; these patients had significantly higher median NT-proBNP levels when compared with those without AF after the operation （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, an increase in NT-proBNP level after CABG was found to be independently associated with AF （ OR = 3.78, 95% IC = 1.81 - 4. 89, P 〈 0. 01 ）. Increased age, diabetes mellitus, preoperative use of β-blocker, proximal right coronary artery involvement, and longer operation time were al- so associated with AF. Conclusions These results indicated that AF was associated with higher NT-proBNP concentrations after off pump CABG; the increase in NT-proBNP after CABG may play an important role in the occurrence of AF after the operation. The further studies are needed to define the reason that lead to higher NT-proBNP concentrations among the patients who present AF after off pump CABG.

The perioperative effects of metabolic syndrome on the off-pump coronary artery bypass

Objective Metabolic syndrome (MS),a disorder involving multiple metabolic abnormalities such obesity,hypertension,diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance anddyslipidemia,has been observed in many patients receiving coronary artery bypass procedures. In this study we try to examine the perioperative effects of metabolic syndrome on the off-pump coronary artery

Stroke following off-pump coronary artery bypass in patients with prior stroke

Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical features of stroke following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with prior stroke. Methods From January 2006 to July 2009,the clinical information of 437 patients undergoing OPCABG in Anzhen Hospital

The prediction of early mortality in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery:SinoSCORE versus EuroSCORE

Objective To compare the validation of the Sino System for Coronary Operative Risk Evaluation (SinoSCORE) with the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery in China. Methods Data of patients who underwent OPCAB between 2004 and 2005 in

Comparison of long-term graft patency of on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is used more widely in recent years in China. However,there is an argument on benefits and risks of off-pump surgery. Many studies shown that OPCAB had more benefits in short-term outcomes than conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CCABG) .

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.

Preoperative P-wave duration as a predictor of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: A prospective cohort study with meta-analysis

Objectives:Reported prediction rules for postoperative atrial fibrillation(AF)have suffered from inconsistent results and controversy surrounding the predictive value of a preoperative P-wave duration(PreOPWD).This study examined PreOPWD as a predictor for AF after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:Two-hundred-and-ninety-nine patients with sinus rhythm before off-pump CABG were recruited into the study.Patients'demographic and clinical data were evaluated prospectively.Patients were continuously monitored for the first seven postoperative days.Multiple logistic regressionwas used to determine significant predictors of AF.Findings were then combined with similar studies and a metaanalysis was performed.Results:Postoperative AF was observed in 33.1%of 299 patients.Patients with AF were older,had a prolonged PreOPWD,higher incidences of hypertension,aortic regurgitation,and mitral regurgitation.A cut-off point of PreOPWD
105ms achieved a specificity of 74%,and a sensitivity of 65%for predictive of AF.Multivariate analysis showed that PreOPWD
105ms(odds ratio[OR]4.63,95%confidence intervals[CI]2.66 to 8.03,P<0.001),age
60 years(OR 2.72,95%CI 1.51 to 4.90,P<0.01)and hypertension(OR 2.10,95%CI 1.08 to 4.07,P<0.05)independently predicted postoperative AF.A meta-analysis of this data combined with those of ten other studies showed that PreOPWD was greater in patients with POAF,with a weighted mean difference of 3.95 ms(95%CI 1.97 to 5.92,P<0.001).Conclusion:This study confirmed,among other predictive characteristics,that PreOPWD is a powerful independent predictor of POAF.

Comparison of Sternal Wound Complication after Off-Pump CABG between Skeletonized and Pedicled LIMA Harvesting: A Single Centre Experience in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is a surgical procedure that has gained popularity due to its potential benefits over traditional coronary artery bypass grafting, including reduced morbidity and mortality. However, sternal wound complication (SWC) remains challenging following the procedure. The technique of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) harvesting has been shown to impact the incidence of SWC. This study aimed to compare the incidence of SWC between two techniques of LIMA harvesting, i.e., skeletonized and pedicled. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, and included 60 patients who underwent OPCAB. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 each based on the technique of LIMA harvesting used, i.e., skeletonized (group A) or pedicled (group B). The postoperative ICU care was given to each patient as per the protocol. The statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 26.0 for Windows software. Results: The results showed that 5 (8.33%) patients developed SWC, with 1 (1.67%) patient in group A and 4 (6.66%) patients in group B. However, the occurrence of SWC was not statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.35). The mean age, gender distribution, and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and anemia were also not statistically significant between the two groups. The number of smokers was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.03), and the occurrence of SWC was found to be higher in smoker patients in group B (p = 0.04). Preoperative and postoperative parameters such as duration of operation, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of chest drains, duration of the central venous line, and amount of postoperative mediastinal bleeding were also not statistically significant between the two groups. The distribution of wound complications, duration of ICU stays, and hospital stay between the two groups was also not statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that the incidence of SWC was less in skeletonized LIMA harvesting than in pedicled LIMA harvesting after OPCAB. However, this finding was not statistically significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes may be needed to confirm these results and determine the appropriate technique of LIMA harvesting to decrease the incidence of SWC after OPCAB.

Off-pump sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system

Background Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery （OPCAB） has been widely applied in recent years as a less invasive method of myocardial revascularization. This study evaluated the sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system during OPCAB.Methods From April 2004 to August 2010, patients with diffuse right coronary lesions were studied retrospectively and divided into two groups. Group 1 included seventeen patients who underwent this surgery while group 2 included twenty-one patients without right coronary artery surgical therapy. All patients presented with symptoms of angina. Blood flow of bridged vessels was measured. The perioperative ventricular parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction and end diastolic diameter were compared. During follow-up, myocardial nuclide imaging and coronary angiography were carried out.Results Off-pump coronary artery bypass was performed with an average of 3.6 grafts per patient. Hospital mortality was zero. At the time of follow-up, the patients in group 1 recovered better than in group 2 （P〈0.05）. In both groups, the mean New York Heart Association （NYHA） class and ejection fraction increased significantly （P〈0.001） and the mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly （P 〈0.05）. Myocardial blood supply of inferior wall in group 1 was obviously improved by myocardial nuclide imaging. Coronary angiography for eight patients in group 1 verified that there was blood flow to myocardium in the arterialized vein.Conclusions Sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system can be performed during OPCAB. A postoperative improvement in the cardiac functions and the quality of life was documented, increasing our expectation for extensive application.

Sequential saphenous vein grafting combined with selective arterialization of middle cardiac vein during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Currently coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） is the most commonly used procedure for revascularization of coronary heart disease. However it may not be suitable for the patients with diffuse coronary artery diseases. Under this circumstance, retrograde perfusion via cardiac venous system, namely retrograde coronary venous bypass graft （CVBG）,

Total Arterial Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting： A 1O-Year Experience

Background： Arterial grafts had better mid-term and long-term patency than saphenous vein grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）. We summarized our experience with total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCAB） and assessed the early clinical results, surgical complications, and follow-up. Methods： From January 2007 to May 2017,508 coronary artery disease patients undergoing total arterial OPCAB were enrolled. Clinical features, approaches, outcomes of surgical treatments, and follow-up data of these patients were studied retrospectively. A total of 122 patients underwent single left internal mammary artery （IMA）-left anterior descending artery grafts, whereas the other 386 patients underwent multiple vessel grafts. Results： The average distal anastomosis was 2.34 ± 0.97 （range： 1-4）. All the patients were discharged from hospital except one died. A total of 457 （90.32%） patients were followed up. In the 4-, 7-, and 10-year follow-up groups, the rate of death from any cause was 1.19%, 6.47%, and 10.67%; rate of cardiac death was 0.60%, 2.88%, and 3.33%; rate of repeat revascularization was 0.00%, 3.60%. and 8.67%; rate ofischemic symptoms was 1.79%, 7.91%, and 11.33%; and incidence of stroke was 2.38%, 4.32%, and 6.67%, respectively. Poor medication adherence was observed in 9.38% of the follow-up population. Conclusions： Total arterial OPCAB with bilateral IMA, radial artery, and right gastroepiploic artery grafting yielded satisfactory early and midterm outcomes in this patient group, without a significant increase in early mortality or morbidity. Moreover, the long-term outcomes are also positive.

A Single Center Experience with Coronary Endarterectomy and Vein Patch Reconstruction

Background: To evaluate the medium and late term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting with pull-through coronary endarterectomy using a saphenous vein patch for bypass distal anastomosis site. Methods: Retrospective review of all coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures performed from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2013 with and without concomitant coronary endarterectomy (CE), was carried out at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington DC. Patients who underwent concomitant valve operations were excluded. Primary outcome was overall survival, with analyses performed examining CE as well as the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and post-operative MI. Results: 1255 CABG operations were performed, 10 of which included CE. All CE procedures were performed with saphenous vein patch. 7 involved left anterior descending artery (LAD) CE with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) conduits. The remaining 3 were diagonal branch artery (D1) CE with saphenous vein bypass conduits. 1-year survival was 70%. 5-year survival was 43% out of 7 patients. Conclusions: Pull-through CE with saphenous vein patch is a safe alternative technique for patients with diffuse coronary artery disease. Perioperative events and intermediate outcomes are favorable, although long-term survival is less than patients without CE.