Meta-analysis on the use of the Heartstring anastomotic device to prevent stroke in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective: Postoperative stroke is the Achilles’ heel of coronary artery bypass surgery compared with percutaneous coronary intervention. In this meta-analysis, we sought to determine the efficacy of the Heartstring proximal anastomotic device to reduce the risk of postoperative stroke after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Methods: Studies on the Heartstring device were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus up to November 2010. The results were expressed as pooled proportions (%) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated by the I² test and a random effects model was used. Results: Eighteen articles were pertinent with this issue and we were able to retrieve data on the Heartstring anastomotic device in OPCAB from eight studies. Three studies were prospective and routine epi-aortic ultrasound was used in three studies. A total of 819 patients were enrolled in these eight studies and six of them suffered stroke postoperatively. Cumulative analysis showed a pooled rate of immediate postoperative stroke after OPCAB with the use of Heartstring of 1.9% (95% CI 0.8–4.5, I² = 23%). Sensitivity analysis including the only three studies evaluating patients with diseased ascending aorta as detected at epi-aortic ultrasound showed that a pooled rate of stroke was 3.2% (95% CI 0.8–11.9, I² = 0%). Six studies reported on immediate postoperative mortality and the pooled mortality rate was 1.9% (95% CI 0.1–3.4). Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the risk of stroke after OPCAB may not be markedly reduced by the use of Heartstring device. On the other hand, a rather low rate of stroke was observed among patients with diseased ascending aorta indicating its potential value in these patients. Most of studies included in this meta-analysis were of poor methodological quality, and properly conducted prospective studies are needed to get more conclusive results on the safety and efficacy of Heartstring anastomosis device.     

Initial experience with the Heartstring proximal anastomotic system

OBJECTIVE: Manipulation of the aorta has been shown to be associated with postoperative neurologic events after surgical myocardial revascularization when the aorta is diseased. The Heartstring proximal anastomotic system (Guidant, Indianapolis, Ind) is a device designed to assist in the performance of proximal anastomoses with minimal aortic manipulation. We describe our initial experience with this product. METHODS: Twelve patients with a diseased aorta who underwent off-pump myocardial revascularization and had their proximal anastomoses performed with the Heartstring device were studied for operative and postoperative outcomes and surgical technique. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 76 +/- 7 years. The estimated EuroSCORE perioperative mortality was 12% +/- 8%. The median number of distal anastomoses was 3. In all patients, a saphenous vein graft was anastomosed to the aorta using the Heartstring device. In 5 patients, the radial artery was used as a conduit and connected proximally to a left internal thoracic artery as a Y graft, to a saphenous vein graft as a "horseshoe," or on the hood of a saphenous vein graft. The operative and postoperative courses were uneventful. Three seals developed cracks and were not used. One seal developed an unravel in its periphery but was used successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The Heartstring proximal anastomotic system is a device that allows the surgeon to perform standard proximal clampless anastomoses. Elderly patients with a diseased aorta may benefit from this device.     

Initial clinical experience with the Heartstring

Objective The Heartstring is one of the devices that enable proximal anastomosis without clamping the aorta. We have applied the device not only to low-risk patients with normal aortas but also to high-risk patients with diseased aortas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the initial outcomes of using this device. Methods The Heartstring was used on 87 patients between January and December 2004. The patients comprised 62 men and 25 women 48–86 years old (mean 68.4 ± 8.4 years). The ascending aorta was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scanning before surgery. If a patient's aorta was severely calcified, epiaortic echocardiography was performed. The aortas were ranked into four grades, and the preoperative patient's status were evaluated by the EuroSCORE. Angiography was performed on the third postoperative day. Results CT scanning revealed that 74 patients had no calcification in the ascending aorta, 10 patients had scattered calcification, and 3 patients had plate-like calcification. The EuroSCORE was 6.86 ± 1.03. We performed 93 proximal anastomoses and 149 distal anastomoses. The average distal anastomosis was 1.6 ± 0.6 sites per graft. Of the distal anastomoses, 74.2% were to the circumflex artery territory. Postoperative coronary angiography revealed that all grafts were patent. Conclusion The Heartstring facilitates safe proximal anastomosis, even in high-risk patients. Their short-term outcome was good. The device assists in bypassing circumflex artery territory. Long-term follow-up is necessary.     

合并升主动脉钙化的冠心病人冠状动脉多支搭桥的策略

目的探讨冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病（冠心病）合并升主动脉钙化行冠状动脉多支搭桥的策略。方法2002年6月-2007年12月对36例合并升主动脉钙化的冠心病不使用主动脉侧壁钳行非体外循环冠状动脉搭桥术。常规取左乳内动脉（left internal mammary artery,LIMA）,19例同时取右乳内动脉（right internal mammary,RIMA）。15例以LIMA为唯一的桥血流来源（in-flow）,其余的静脉桥吻合到LIMA;14例使用Enclose或Heartstring近端吻合装置行静脉桥在主动脉上的吻合。术中用血流仪（Medi-Stim Butterfly Flow Meter,Oslo,Norway）行桥血流定量测定。结果36例共行远端吻合116个[2-5个,（3.2±0.9）个]。术后2-22 h病人完全清醒。手术中实时桥血流测定满意,15例以LIMA为唯一in-flow的患者,LIMA主干的总血流量基本是各分支桥血流量的数学和。无围手术期心肌梗死及脑卒中。8例（26.7%）手术后一过性心房颤动;肺部感染2例;胸腔积液4例;下肢切口感染1例,均治愈。死亡1例,死亡原因为多脏器功能衰竭。30例随访6-60个月,（33.8±11.2）月,11例造影显示37支桥中,LIMA-LAD均通畅,2支到对角支的静脉桥闭塞,余静脉桥均通畅。结论对升主动脉有明显钙化的冠心病患者,采用非体外循环冠状动脉搭桥结合主动脉No-touch技术或主动脉近端吻合装置,可有效避免因在病变主动脉上操作引起的术后脑卒中发生。     

New proximal anastomotic system in coronary artery bypass grafting

The Heartstring proximal anastomotic system is a device designed to facilitate the creation of a clampless hand-sewn proximal anastomosis. Thirty-four patients who underwent coronary artery revascularization had 40 proximal anastomoses using the Heartstring device. There were 26 men and 8 women, with the mean age of 70 +/- 8.9 years. Thirty-one patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting through off-pump procedures and 3 patients on-pump beating procedures. In all patients, saphenous vein grafts were anastomosed to the aorta using the Heartstring device, the median number of distal anastomoses being 2.4 +/- 0.7. Either emergent or urgent surgery was required in 14 patients (41%). Diseased aorta was found in 11 patients (32%). One patient (2.9%) died postoperatively due to ischemic necrosis of the small intestine and the colon. There was no occurrence of postoperative stroke. Of 40 saphenous vein grafts anastomosed with the Heartstring system, 39 (97.5%) were patent. The occluded saphenous vein was not considered to be device related. Our clinical experience demonstrated that the Heartstring system allow us to create clampless and reproductive hand-sewn proximal anastomosis and to decrease the incidence of neurological complication.     

Redo-OPCAB via left thoracotomy using symmetry aortic connector system: a report of two cases

Left thoracotomy is an established approach for redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This approach has also been successfully used in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). Traditionally, the grafts have been anastomosed proximally to the descending thoracic aorta or the left subclavian artery. Recently, proximal connectors have been introduced by various manufacturers for use on ascending aorta during primary CABG and OPCAB. One such device is the Symmetry aortic connector system (St. Jude Medical, Minneapolis, MN). These devices have obviated the need for partial occluding clamps for the construction of the proximal anastomoses and hence are extremely useful when the aorta is heavily calcified. We used this device successfully in two patients undergoing redo-OPCAB, where the proximal anastomosis was constructed on the descending aorta. In so doing, we also used the shortest possible length of vein graft since the descending aorta at that level was much closer than the left subclavian artery. This can be an additional factor in redo-operations where the availability of vein can be an issue.     

Symmetry aortic connector devices and acute renal injury: a comparison of renal dysfunction after three different aortocoronary bypass surgery techniques

Although the pathogenesis of acute renal injury after cardiac surgery is multifactorial, atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta and embolic burden are strong independent predictors. Use of the Symmetry aortic connector device (ACD) for proximal anastomosis of coronary grafts may reduce ascending aortic atheroembolism. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery performed using an ACD is associated with less postoperative renal dysfunction compared with conventional OPCAB or on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Three-thousand-three-hundred consecutive patients undergoing non-emergent aortocoronary bypass surgery were retrospectively divided into three groups by surgical procedure; Group A: OPCAB with ACD (n = 124), Group B: standard OPCAB (n = 313), Group C: on-pump CABG (n = 2863). Postoperative peak fractional change in creatinine compared with baseline was used as a measure of renal outcome. Multivariable analysis did not identify ACD use as an independent predictor of postoperative peak fractional change in creatinine (P = 0.71), although the relationships of several known renal risk factors with postoperative peak fractional change in creatinine were confirmed. We could not find evidence that OPCAB surgery using ACDs reduces acute renal injury compared with standard OPCAB or CABG surgery.     

Risk of retinal microembolism after off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

AIM: In order to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) over conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CCAB), we have performed a prospective randomized study evaluating retinal circulation changes after OPCAB and CCAB. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomized to OPCAB or CCAB. Retinal fluorescein angiography and 60 degrees black-and-white as well as color fundus photographs of both eyes of each patient were taken 1 to 24 h before and 5 to 6 days after the operation. RESULTS: Patients undergoing OPCAB had more severely stenosed carotid arteries (P=0.075), higher incidence of slightly diseased ascending aorta (P=0.087) and higher Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group stroke risk score (P=0.075). Neither stroke nor transient ischemic attack occurred postoperatively in these patients. Inferotemporal retinal arterial embolization and microinfarction was detected in one patient after CCAB, but in none of the OPCAB group. CONCLUSION: The risk of retinal embolism can be minimized by the use of OPCAB and, most likely, by adequate epiaortic ultrasound scanning of the ascending aorta and avoiding clamping in case of severely diseased aorta.     

Pitfalls and key lessons with the symmetry proximal anastomotic device in coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Increasing practice of less-invasive coronary artery bypass surgery has generated a revival of automated methods to facilitate the creation of vascular connections during coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. METHODS: We have reviewed our clinical experience with 107 patients who received at least one proximal Symmetry aortic connector from St. Jude Medical Anastomotic Technology Group (St. Paul, MN) to connect a saphenous vein graft to the ascending aorta, in whom the minimal follow-up is 6 months. Seventy-five patients were part of an observational study, and 32 patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized study to compare the anastomotic device with the conventional suture technique. Key lessons and pitfalls observed during loading and deployment as well angiographic findings are presented. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 0.9% (1/107); a 76-year-old woman suffered from cerebral complications and died after combined coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement. Two connectors had to be removed because of leakage and one because of incomplete deployment. The residual 104 grafts connected to the ascending aorta were patent at the end of the operation (mean flow, 72 +/- 29 mL/min). Fourteen patients from the prospective study have received 6 months of angiographic assessment so far. Forty-two grafts have been evaluated: all IMA grafts (n = 14) are patent. Four radial artery grafts have been studied: three are patent and one is occluded. Twenty-four vein grafts have been assessed: 11 were hand-sewn and 13 were connected to the aorta with the proximal connector system. Patency rate is not different between the two techniques, but there is an incidence of 38% (5/13) stenosis in the proximal vein graft segment in those patients with a proximal connector. No proximal hand-sewn anastomosis shows any significant stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of proximal devices allows ultrafast connection of a bypass graft to the aorta. The handling of this device is simple, manipulations on the ascending aorta are minimized, and hemostasis is perfect. However, because stenoses have been observed in the vein graft close to the connector site, mid- and long-term patency rates have to be assessed in large prospective trials.     

升主动脉粥样硬化患者的冠状动脉旁路移植

目的 总结冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病合并升主动脉粥样硬化患者冠状动脉旁路移植手术的特点。方法 22例患者中,13例采用非体外循环、心脏不停跳下冠状动脉旁路移植术(59％);9例采用低温体外循环(41％),其中5例在深低温、低流量并间断停循环条件下不阻断升主动脉行旁路-升主动脉近端吻合。结果 20例康复出院,术后早期死亡2例;并发症有肺部感染、心绞痛、室颤、急性心肌梗死和血胸,无神经系统并发症。结论 减少术中升主动脉操作是防止升主动脉损伤和减少并发症的关键。应用带蒂动脉旁路、旁路远端序贯吻合和近端Y形吻合可避免或减少旁路-升主动脉吻合;低温体外循环加左心室引流时,可不阻断升主动脉行旁路远端吻合;深低温、低流量并间断停循环下行旁路-升主动脉吻合,可避免阻断和部分阻断升主动脉,利于控制并发症。     

Coronary bypass grafting with totally calcified or acutely dissected ascending aorta

From August 1984 through November 1988, 10 of 2,658 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting had ascending aortic disease that was not amenable to proximal anastomoses for coronary bypass grafting. This was due to a calcified aorta in 6 and acute aortic dissection in 4. There were 5 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 71 years. Cannulation site was the femoral artery in 5, ascending aorta in 3, and aortic arch in 2. Profound hypothermia and ventricular fibrillation, with no cross-clamp or cardioplegia, was used in 9 patients, and circulatory arrest in 1. In 8 patients a single internal mammary artery was used as the total inflow with a saphenous vein graft brought off the internal mammary artery to one or more distal left-sided coronary vessels. Bilateral internal mammary arteries were used in 2 other patients. Operative mortality was zero. There was one perioperative myocardial infarction and one transient stroke without sequelae. All patients have done well from 1 to 6 years postoperatively. These data support the use of internal mammary arteries as single or bilateral proximal conduits for other venoarterial bypass grafts when the aorta is extensively diseased either by calcification or dissection.     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass via left thoracotomy in patient with infective pancreatic fistula after surgery for bile duct carcinoma; report of a case

A 62-year-old man with infective pancreatic fistula after surgery for bile duct carcinoma underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) through left thoracotomy to avoid the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the postoperative mediastinitis, since this patient has infective pancreatic fistula close to the xiphoid process. The coronary arterial revascularizations were performed: left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending branch and saphenous vein graft to descending thoracic aorta. The aortic mechanical anastomosis device, aortic connector, was utilized the proximal anastomosis of saphenous vein graft so as to avoid aortic clamp, while the distal anastomoses were completed with stabilizer and apical retraction device. Postoperative angiogram showed both grafts were patent. No signs of infection or recurrence of malignant neoplasm was observed. OPCAB via left thoracotomy is one of useful options for patients in whom median sternotomy is not suitable approach for myocardial revascularizations.     

Single proximal anastomosis for multiple vein coronary artery bypasses in diseased ascending aorta

Minimization of the manipulation of the diseased ascending aorta has been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of postoperative stroke during coronary artery bypass surgery. We describe in this paper a novel method in which a single proximal anastomosis has been performed in the same ostium on the ascending aorta for multiple coronary artery vein grafts.     

Patency of saphenous vein coronary artery bypass grafts from the vascular prosthesis of the ascending aorta.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have Stanford type A aortic dissection with impaired coronary arteries or who have aneurysms from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch with coronary artery disease need coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with tube graft replacement of the ascending aorta simultaneously. When vein grafts are used for CABG in these patients, the proximal anastomoses of vein grafts are attached to the prosthetic tube graft of the ascending aorta. However, the validity of proximal anastomoses of vein grafts to the prosthetic tube graft of the ascending aorta has not been confirmed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent venous coronary bypass grafting with prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta. Between January 1984 and October 2002, 35 patients underwent CABG using saphenous vein grafts at the time of tube graft replacement of the ascending aorta, and the proximal anastomoses of the vein grafts were attached to the tube graft of the ascending aorta. Thirty-three venous bypass grafts were analyzed in 24 survivors. RESULTS: The postoperative catheterization showed only one early vein graft occlusion of 16 vein grafts anastomosed distally to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). All 14 venous grafts anastomosed to the right coronary artery (RCA) and 3 to the left circumflex artery (LCX) were patent. Therefore, the postoperative patency rate at discharge was 97.0% (32/33). Spiral computed tomography performed for long term follow-up revealed occlusion of two vein grafts (3.5 years and 9.7 years) anastomosed to the LAD. CONCLUSIONS: The patency rate of vein grafts anastomosed from prosthetic grafts of the ascending aorta to the native coronary arteries was similar to that of conventional CABG using saphenous vein grafts.     

The use of an aortic connector system in a patient with severe calcified ascending aorta

Patients with severe calcified ascending aorta ("porcelain aorta") present a surgical challenge. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB), using new automated proximal anastomotic devices, provide a surgical alternative for patients who are not candidates for in situ arterial grafting. We present a 74-year-old male with double-vessel disease and a large calcified aneurysm of the left anterior wall. Left ventricular function was poor with an ejection fraction of 24%. The beating heart technique was used for the distal anastomosis and ventriculoplasty. The proximal anastomosis was constructed with an automated aortic connector system, thereby avoiding clamping of the severely diseased aorta.     

Aortic dissection induced by symmetry aortic connector system

A 74-year-old male with severe triple vessel disease underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Preoperative computed tomography (CT) showed severely calcified ascending aorta. We revasculize the left coronary arteries with in situ internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft and the right coronary artery with a saphenous vein graft, which was attached to the disease-free portion of the aortic root, using Symmetry aortic connector system (ACS). Although the operation was uncomplicated, and postoperative course was uneventful until the 5th postoperative day when acute type A aortic dissection occurred. The patient died of aortic rupture on the 7th postoperative day. Necropsy disclosed that the entry located just on the proximal anastomotic site of the vein graft. It is possible placement of ACS device would trigger the dissecting process. With regard to the use of these one-shot devices for diseased aorta, its safety needs further investigation, even though it might be placed on an apparently intact portion.     

Atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta and coronary artery bypass. Pathology, clinical correlates, and operative management.

Analysis of 1735 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from January 1981 through December 1988 revealed 152 (8.8%) patients with mild (4.5%), moderate (2.2%), or severe (2.0%) atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta. Three distinct pathologic patterns were found. The prevalence of stroke in patients with the severe type of aortic disease prompted development of a new operative technique that has been used in 16 patients. It involves a "no-touch" technique of the ascending aorta whereupon the proximal saphenous vein anastomoses are performed end to side to internal mammary artery grafts. Ages ranged from 49 to 80 years (mean 68.9). The 16 patients had 62 distal artery and vein anastomoses and 26 proximal saphenous vein-internal mammary end-to-side anastomoses. Internal mammary artery free flows ranged from 130 to 420 ml/min. Two hospital deaths were unrelated to the technique. There have been no strokes or recurrences of angina. An inordinately high incidence of main left coronary disease (50%), significant carotid disease (79%), and abdominal aortic occlusive or aneurysm disease (93%) was discovered. Ascending aortic atherosclerosis must be suspected in all coronary bypass patients with associated significant carotid, abdominal aortic, and main left coronary artery disease, aortic wall irregularity on ascending aortic angiography, adhesions between the ascending aorta and its adventitia, pale appearance of the ascending aorta, and minimal bleeding of an aortic cannulation stab wound. A "no-touch" technique that avoids any manipulation of the ascending aorta and that uses the internal mammary arteries as the sole source of blood supply for coronary bypass is an effective method to prevent aortic clamp injury, "trash heart," or stroke from severe ascending aortic disease. Preoperative angiographic visualization of the ascending aorta of all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass is mandatory.     

‘No Touch’ Techniques for Porcelain Ascending Aorta: Comparison Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Femoral Artery Cannulation and Off‐Pump Myocardial Revascularization

Abstract Background: Detection of severe atherosclerotic ascending aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting requires alterations in the standard surgical technique to reduce the probability of stroke‐related atheroembolization. Off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) confers the benefits of avoiding aortic cannulation and clamping, and may therefore attenuate this risk. Methods: OPCAB (n # 41) was compared to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using femoral arterial cannulation and hypothermic fibrillatory arrest (n = 15), in patients with porcelain ascending aorta undergoing myocardial revascularization. In both groups, a ‘no touchrsquo; technique was applied by avoiding aortic cannulation and clamping. Proximal anastomoses on the atherosclerotic aorta were avoided by arterial grafting, (in‐situ or T‐graft configurations) in all cases. Results: Operative mortality was comparable (2.4% and 6.6% in the OPCAB and CPB groups respectively, p # NS). The rate of adverse neurological events, (two strokes and one transient ischemic attack), was higher in the CPB group (p # 0.0164). Based on brain CT, the nature of the recorded stroke suggested retrograde emboli. Three year survival (Kaplan‐Meier) for the OPCAB and CPB groups was 86.7% and 81.3%, respectively (p = NS). Occurrence of late neurological adverse events during follow‐up (8–51 months) was similar. Conclusions: In patients with porcelain ascending aorta undergoing myocardial revascularization, neurological outcome of OPCAB patients is better than CPB using femoral artery cannulation.     

Off-pump coronary bypass surgery: risk of ischemic brain lesions in patients with atheromatous thoracic aorta

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between the proximal thoracic aortic (ascending aorta and aortic arch) atheroma and ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) after on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump (OPCAB) coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent ONCAB surgery (n = 13) and who had aortic atheroma > 2 mm were compared to a risk-adjusted prospective cohort of patients (n = 13) undergoing OPCAB surgery. Transesophageal echocardiography and epiaortic scanning were performed to assess the proximal thoracic aorta. Patients were evaluated for new ischemic brain lesions utilizing DW-MRI three to seven days after surgery. The NEECHAM confusion scale was used to evaluate patient consciousness. RESULTS: The groups were comparable with respect to demographic data, and prevalence of preoperative risk factors. The extent and severity of aortic atheroma was similar in the two groups. The average maximum height of atheroma was 5.0 +/- 2.0 mm in the OPCAB and 4.8 +/- 1.9 in the ONCAB groups, respectively. The prevalence of new ischemic brain lesions on DW-MRI was 0% in the OPCAB group and 61% in the ONCAB group (P = 0.001). Patients in the OPCAB group were less confused during the first two postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Patients with aortic atheroma > 2 mm may have a lower risk of new ischemic brain lesions as identified by DWMRI after OPCAB surgery. Patient stratification based upon aortic atheroma burden should be addressed in future trials designed to tailor treatment strategies to improve short- and long-term neurological outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.     

'No touch' techniques for porcelain ascending aorta: comparison between cardiopulmonary bypass with femoral artery cannulation and off-pump myocardial revascularization

BACKGROUND: Detection of severe atherosclerotic ascending aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting requires alterations in the standard surgical technique to reduce the probability of stroke-related atheroembolization. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) confers the benefits of avoiding aortic cannulation and clamping, and may therefore attenuate this risk. METHODS: OPCAB (n = 41) was compared to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using femoral arterial cannulation and hypothermic fibrillatory arrest (n = 15), in patients with porcelain ascending aorta undergoing myocardial revascularization. In both groups, a 'no touch' technique was applied by avoiding aortic cannulation and clamping. Proximal anastomoses on the atherosclerotic aorta were avoided by arterial grafting, (in-situ or T-graft configurations) in all cases. RESULTS: Operative mortality was comparable (2.4% and 6.6% in the OPCAB and CPB groups respectively, p = NS). The rate of adverse neurological events, (two strokes and one transient ischemic attack), was higher in the CPB group (p = 0.0164). Based on brain CT, the nature of the recorded stroke suggested retrograde emboli. Three year survival (Kaplan-Meier) for the OPCAB and CPB groups was 86.7% and 81.3%, respectively (p = NS). Occurrence of late neurological adverse events during follow-up (8-51 months) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with porcelain ascending aorta undergoing myocardial revascularization, neurological outcome of OPCAB patients is better than CPB using femoral artery cannulation.