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

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

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

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.

Tei index evaluates left ventricular function changes after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Objective： To compare function recovery of left ventricle after off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB and ONCAB） using Tel index. Methods： Twenty-four patients with coronary artery disease were enrolled, twelve of which received OPCAB and the others underwent ONCAB. Left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, E/A ratio at mitral orifice and Tel index were measured using transthoracic echocardiography before surgery and 3-7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Results：Tel index of both groups decreased 3-7 days after surgery, with OPCAB group＇s lower than ONCAB group＇s. The difference between pre-and post-OPCAB was significant （P〈0.01）, but not for ONCAB group （P〈0.05）. Tel index of ONCAB decreased more significant than that of OPCAB 1 month after surgery, there was statistical difference between 3-7 days and 1 month after surgery in ONCAB （P〈0.01）. Afterwards, Tel index of the 2 groups decreased steadily with no significant difference between them at other time points. LVEF and E/A ratio decreased at first, then increased gradually, with no statistical differences between the 2 groups at all time points. Conclusion： The recovery of left ventricular function after OPCAB is earlier than ONCAB. Tel index is more sensitive than LVEF and E/A ratio in detecting cardiac function recoveries and can be considered as an accurate and simple method to evaluate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

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.

Awake off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in 25 patients

Objectives To test the feasibility of the use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia as a sole anesthetic in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass surgery, avoiding general anesthesia. Methods Between October 2002 to April 2003, twenty five cases underwent beating heart coronary artery revascularization without endotracheal general anesthesia, using high thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia. All the patients underwent epidural catheterization on the evening before the surgery. Resuits The patients in all received 71 grafts (single n = 11, double n = 5, triple n = 6, quadruple n = 3). Six patients underwent repeat coronary artery bypass. Except one was converted to general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass, the other patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery, 2 patients underwent grafting via left thoracotomy (MIDCAB) and the rest through mid sternotomy. There was no mortality. Mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 16 .2 ( 4.2 hours and hospital was 3.0(1.2 days. Conclusions Our experience confirms the feasibility of performing multiple coronary artery bypasses in conscious patients without endotracheal general anesthesia

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）,

Assessment of right ventricular function by pressure-volume loops in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Background Right ventricular function plays an important role in the hemodynamic derangement during off-pump coronary artery bypass （OPCAB） surgery. Pressure-volume loops have been shown to provide load-independent information of cardiac function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of construction of right ventricular pressure-volume loops with pressure and volume data measured by a volumetric pulmonary artery catheter （PAC） and to evaluate right ventricular systolic and diastolic function by end-systolic elastance （EEs） and end-diastolic stiffness （EED） in OPCAB surgery. Methods Twenty-eight patients who underwent OPCAB surgery were included. After anesthesia induction, a volumetric PAC was placed via the right internal jugular vein. Data were recorded at： anesthesia steady-state before skin incision （T1）; 5 minutes after the stabilizer device was placed for anastomosis on the heart＇s anterior wall （T2）, lateral wall （T3）, posterior wall （T4）, respectively; after sternal closure （T5）. Three sets of data were collected at each time point： first, hemodynamic variables were measured; second, right ventricular EEs and EED were calculated; third, right ventricular pressure-volume loops were constructed with pressure and volume data measured from end-diastole point, end-isovolumic systole point, peak-ejection point, end-systole point and end-isovolumic diastole point. Results Right ventricular pressure-volume loops generally shifted to the left during OPCAB surgery. Especially, the end-diastolic point shifted upward and to the left at T2--T5 compared with that at T1. Decrease in right ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume index and end-diastolic volume index occurred （P 〈0.05） at T4 compared with values at TI. Pulmonary vascular resistance index at T4 increased relatively compared with that at T2 and T3. The change of EEs was not statistically significant during operation. Right atrial pressure increased only during coronary anastomoses （T2-- T4, P 〈0.05）, whereas EED increased throughout OPCAB surgery （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions Right ventricular pressure-volume loops can be constructed using a volumetric PAC. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction occurred during anastomoses on the heart＇s posterior wall not due to impaired myocardial contractility but as a result of reduced preload and a relative increase in afterload. Right ventricular diastolic function was impaired throughout OPCAB 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.

Repair of left ventricular aneurysm during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Background Acute myocardial infarction can result in left ventricularaneurysm, which may in turn cause congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia andthromboembolic events. This study evaluates results achieved with a modified linear closure of leftventricular aneurysms during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods From January 2001 toMay 2004, 75 patients were operated on for nonruptured, postinfarctional, left ventricular aneurysmduring off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Repair was completed on the beating heart tominimize ischaemia and allow assessment of wall function and viability to guide closure. Allpatients presented with symptoms of angina and congestive heart failure or ventricular arrhythmia.The majority (75% ) of the patients were in NYHA functional class Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Preoperative ejectionfraction was 26% ±9%. The mean left ventricular, end diastolic diameter was (57. 5 ±7. 1) mm. Theventricular preoperative and postoperative performances were compared. χ~2 test and Student' s ttest were used to analyse the outcomes. A P value less than 0. 05 was considered significant.Results Hospital mortality was 1. 3% (1/75). Coronary artery bypass was performed with an average of(3. 3 ±1.2) grafts per patient. At the time of followup, all the patients had no symptoms. Themean NYHA class and ejection fraction increased significantly (P < 0.001 ) . The mean leftventricular, end diastolic diameter decreased significantly (P <0. 001). Conclusions Surgicalclosure of left ventricular aneurysm can be performed during off-pump coronary artery bypass. Theoperation is associated with a low inhospital mortality and morbidity. A postoperative improvementin the early term cardiac functions and symptoms and quality of life was documented, increasing ourexpectations of an increased long-term survival.

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.

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 coronary artery bypass grafting using a bilateral internal mammary artery Y graft

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

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

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

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

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

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: 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.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a Chinese population and development of a prediction model

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI)after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.This retrospective study aimed to establish a risk score for postoperative AKI in a Chinese population.METHODS A total of 1138 patients undergoing CABG were collected from September 2018 to May 2020 and divided into a derivation and validation cohort.AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO)criteria.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of AKI,and the predictive ability of the model was determined using a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.RESULTS The incidence of cardiac surgery–associated acute kidney injury(CSA-AKI)was 24.17%,and 0.53%of AKI patients required dialysis(AKI-D).Among the derivation cohort,multivariable logistic regression showed that age≥70 years,body mass index(BMI)≥25 kg/m2,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)≤60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,ejection fraction(EF)≤45%,use of statins,red blood cell transfusion,use of adrenaline,intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)implantation,postoperative low cardiac output syndrome(LCOS)and reoperation for bleeding were independent predictors.The predictive model was scored from 0 to32 points with three risk categories.The AKI frequencies were as follows:0-8 points(15.9%),9-17 points(36.5%)and≥18 points(90.4%).The area under of the ROC curve was 0.730(95%CI:0.691-0.768)in the derivation cohort.The predictive index had good discrimination in the validation cohort,with an area under the curve of 0.735(95%CI:0.655-0.815).The model was well calibrated according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test(P=0.372).CONCLUSION The performance of the prediction model was valid and accurate in predicting KDIGO-AKI after CABG surgery in Chinese patients,and could improve the early prognosis and clinical interventions.

The study of using infrared thermal image to assist surgery of coronary artery bypass

Digital infrared thermography is suitable for monitoring the planar two-dimensional temperature distribution of curved surfaces of objects by sensing their infrared radiation. Cardiac infrared thermography also has a thermal coronary angiography alias. This study proposes a digital image processing methodology for locating blood clot blockage. This methodology contains four consequent processes. The two-dimensional gray scale infrared thermograph pixels are first binarized and classified as background or coronary arteries using multi-thresh adaptive segmentation.The coronary artery contours are extracted from segmented raw pixels using continuous pepper-like pixel removal,erosion,subtraction,recursive neighborhood visiting,contour point-list construction and short edge deletion.In the third process one coronary artery branch is selected by physicians for calculating the longest curved central axis using morphological thinning and neighborhood analysis. In the last process the nearest left and right distances from each pixel along the directional central axis to its corresponding boundary contour are added as the coronary artery variable diameter at the current pixel's position. A variable diameter versus straighten length diagram along this axial curved path is plotted to provide useful physiological information to the physician. An obstruction rate equation is then defined to calculate the possible vascular blockage positions with the local minimal rates. Finally,preoperative cases are tested to prove the predictive positions are correct in comparison to individual patient myocardial perfusion imaging.

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.