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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Passive graft perfusion in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Background Myocardial protection during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCABG） is a multifactorial problem in which maintaining stable systemic hemodynamics is very important. In this study passive graft perfusion （PGP） was applied to investigate the effect during and after OPCABG as evaluated by cardiac troponin I （CTnl） and hemodynamic indexes. Methods Thirty first-time patients underwent OPCABG under one surgeon. They were randomly divided into two groups： The passive graft perfusion group （PGP, n=15） received distal coronary perfusion during the anastomosis and immediate graft perfusion after the distal anastomosis. The control group, no graft perfusion group, （NGP, n=15） received no graft perfusion after the distal anastomosis. The results of the two protocols were evaluated by concentration of CTnl and hemodynamic indexes before induction and after operation. Results There were no statistically significant differences between these two groups in their perioperation parameters. The level of CTnl increased postoperatively, reached its peak at 6 hours （P〈0.05） and recovered by the 6 days postoperative. Compared with the control group the concentration of CTnl in the PGP group was significantly lower at 6 and 24 hours （P〈0.01）. Compared with the NGP group, cardiac index （CI） in the PGP group was higher at 12 and 24 hours after operation （P〈0.05）. The period of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter in the PGP group than in the NGP group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion PGP can increase the flow to the myocardium and shorten the heart ischemia time, thus maintain stable systemic hemodynamics, supply a satisfactory CI after surgery and improve surgery outcome.

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.

Endoscopic vein harvest in elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

While traditional open vein harvest was related to postoperative wound complications, endoscopic vein harvest was developed to minimize the morbidity in the greater saphenous vein harvest procedure. In this study, these two procedures were compared for postoperative wound healing and long-term graft patency. We reviewed all consecutive patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2004 to December 2005 and collected data regarding wound complications and coronary events. Wound complications included dehiscence, excessive discharge, edema, altered sensation, cellulitis, hema-toma, pain scale, and superficial and deep wound infection. Coronary events were defined as diagnosis of myocardial infarction during the first year's follow-up. A total of 392 patients were included in our series, among whom 44 were excluded from the study due to emergent operation, preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump support, or the greater saphenous vein varicose characteristic, 78 belonged to open vein harvest group, and 270 to endoscopic vein harvest group. Wound complications were significantly less in the endoscopic group (5.2%) compared to the open group (19.2%) (P=0.0002). There was no significant difference on preopera-tive risk factors, total operative time, or hospitalization days. During one-year follow-up, both the early and late graft patency rates were similar between the two groups. Endoscopic vein harvest is safe and effective, which carries less risk for wound complica-tions and is associated with better satisfaction and cosmetic result than the traditional greater saphenous vein harvest procedure. The endoscopic vein harvest also demonstrates a great long-term patency.

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.

Correlation of Blood Lactate and Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation in Off-Pump CABG

Aim: To evaluate the correlation of blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation to predict outcome in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This is a randomized study including 30 patients. Blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation were measured in 4 groups of patients—number of grafts, presence or absence of left main coronary artery disease, ejection fraction and serum creatinine. Blood samples were taken before induction, after grafting, on intensive care unit admission, 24 hours and 48 hours after surgery. The measured blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation are compared to assess the outcomes in terms of duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay. Results: The blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation values increased post operatively but no statistically significant difference in three groups— number of grafts, left main coronary artery disease and ejection fraction. In serum creatinine group, the blood lactate value was found to be statistically significant after grafting in patients with creatinine <1.5 mg/dl, however, there was a significant disparity in numbers. Conclusion: Mixed venous oxygen saturation is a better predictor of morbidity than blood lactate in terms of intensive care unit stay in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

A comparative analysis of intra-aortic balloon pump in off-pump patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting at different perioperative stages

Background Intra-aortic balloon pump （IABP） has been widely used at present. We can use it at different stages of perioperative period in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）. However, when to used it was seldom confirmed. Methods From January 2008 to June 2012, the 89 coronary heart disease （CHD） patients accepted implantation of IABP at different stages of off-pump CABG, preoperative and postoperative ventricular systolic function, left ventricular remodeling situation and the changes of myocardial enzymes were evaluated. Results All the patients had left heart insufficiency and muhivessel disease. Their postoperative left ventricular systolic function and ventricular remodeling were significantly improved while myocardial enzymes decreased with preoperative interventional implantation of IABP. The perioperative mortality was 7.86% （7/89）. No patients had complication of IABP. Conclusion Earlier IABP implantation at preoperation is useful to improve heart function, improve the tolerability of surgery, reduce the incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome （LCOS） and decrease the mortality.

Correlation study between pre-operative platelet aggregation rate and peri-operative blood product application in patients with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective To explore the impact of pre-operative platelet aggregation rate(PAR)on off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG),meanwhile to study the relationship between platelet function and blood product application during peri-operative period in relevant patients.Methods A total of 172 patients receiving OPCABG in our hospita from 2014-01 to 2015-09 were en-

Contemporary coronary artery bypass grafting

Current evidence clearly demonstrates that coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） remains the ＂gold standard＂ treatment for most patients with multivessel and left main stem disease. This article summarizes the relevant evidence basis demonstrating that CABG, in comparison to stenting, reduces mortality and subsequent myocardial infarction and the need for repeat revascularization. The article also describes the evidence basis to support the use of more arterial grafts during CABG and the current role of off-pump CABG.

Application of intraoperative arterial pressure-based cardiac output monitoring for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Background For patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCABG）, it is important to establish a hemodynamic monitoring system to obtain powerful parameters for better intraoperative treatment. This study aimed to observe the clinical feasibility of arterial pressure-based cardiac output （APCO） for cardiac output （CO） monitoring and to evaluate the correlation between APCO and pulmonary artery catheter （PAC） for CO measurement for patients undergoing OPCABG intraoperatively. Methods Fifty patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists （ASA） classification Ⅱ-Ⅲ, undergoing elective OPCABG at Beijing Anzhen Hospital were randomly enrolled into this study. All patients were assigned to CO monitoring by PAC and APCO simultaneously. Patients with pacemaker, severe valvular heart disease, left ventricular ejection fraction （EF） 〈40%, cardiac arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, application of intra-aortic balloon pump （IABP） and emergent diversion to cardiac pulmonary bypass were excluded. The radial artery waveform was analyzed to estimate the stroke volume （SV） and heart rate （HR） continuously. CO was calculated as SV × HR; other derived parameters were cardiac index （CI）, stroke volume index （SVI）, systemic vascular resistance （SVR）, and systemic vascular resistance index （SVRI）. PAC was placed via right internal jugular vein and the correct position was confirmed by PAC waveforms. Continuous cardiac output （CCO）, CI and other hemodynamic parameters were monitored at following 5 time points： immediate after anesthesia induction （baseline value）, anastomosis of left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery （LAD）, anastomosis of left circumflex （LCX）, anastomosis of posterior descending artery （PDA） and immediate after sternal closure. Results In the 50 patients, preoperative echocardiography measured left ventricular EF was （52.8±11.5）%, and 35 patients （70%） showed regional wall motion abnormalities. The correlation coefficient of CO monitored by APCO and PAC were 0.70, 0.59, 0.78, 0.74 and 0.85 at each time point. The bias range of CI monitored from both APCO and PAC were （0.39±0.06） L.minl.m2, （0.48±0.12） L.min^-1.m2, （0.26±0.06） L.min1.m-2, （0.27±0.06） L.min-l.m2, （0.30＋0.05） L.min-l.m2 at each time point. The results of SVR by two hemodynamic monitoring techniques had good correlation during OPCABG. The variation trends of SVR were opposite comparing with the results of CO. SVR collected from PAC obtained the highest value of （1220.0±254.0） dyn.s.cm5 at PDA anastomosis, but the highest value obtained from APCO was （1206.0±226.5） dyn.s.cm-5 in LCX anastomosis. Conclusions APCO is feasible in hemodynamic monitoring for patients undergoing OPCABG The results of hemodynamic monitoring derived from APCO and PAC are closely correlated. Its characterizations of timely, accurate and continuous display of hemodynamic parameters are also obviously demonstrated in the present study.

Ministernotomy for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Background Through a ministernotomy ＂J shaped approach, left internal mammary artery （LIMA） bypass grafting to the left anterior descending artery （LAD） can be performed safely off-pump. To achieve a complete revascularization, percutaneous coronary interventions （PCI） with drug eluting stent implantation to other coronary arteries was used. We reported outcomes of the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass （MICAB） and PCI. Methods Between January 2009 and Dec 2012, 14 patients （11 males, 3 females, mean age was 64.8 _ 10.1 years. Two-vessel disease account for 35.7% （5/14） of these patients, three-vessel disease 64.2% （9/14） （Table 1）. All patients underwent a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting via mini-sternotomy ＂J＂ shaped approach. Seven patients were followed by PCI, 7 for obtuse marginal circumflex, 5 for right coronary artery （RCA）. Angiographic assessment of graft patency was performed in all patients during the PCI procedure. The clinical follow-up period lasts from 11-24 months. Results The in-hospital mortality was 0%. There was neither conversion to a full median sternotomy nor intraoperative complications. Ventilation time was 6.6 ＋_ 4.1 h. Blood loss ranged 341 ＋_ 78.8 mL. ICU stay ranged 22.3 _ 12.8 h. Hospital postoperative stay lasted for 6.5 ＋ 1.6 days. Prior to PCI patients showed 100% patent left internal mammary artery. One patient had mediastinitis （Tables 2-3）. Rate of freedom from cardiac reintervention during the follow-up period was 92.8% （13/14）. Conclusions The inferior J-shaped sternotomy is simple, reproducible, and the safest technique for performing minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery. MICAB ＋ PCI is also safe, feasible and efficacious.