Simultaneous Esophagectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Report of a Case

We successfully performed off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) with concomitant esophagectomy in a 77-year-old man with esophageal cancer and severe stenosis of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed via median sternotomy and esophagectomy was done via the left thoracoabdominal approach. The patient was discharged with a patent graft 8 weeks after surgery. The benefits of OPCAB include that it is less invasive and heparinization can be avoided. This case report demonstrates that simultaneous OPCAB and esophagectomy is advantageous for a selected population with surgically correctable coronary artery disease and resectable esophageal cancer.     

A case report of emergency off-pump CABG in an aged patient with ACS renewing ventricular fibrillation.

An emergency off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) was performed successfully in an aged patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The patient, an 80-year-old woman residing in a nursing home, suddenly lost consciousness during lunch. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ventricular fibrillation (Vf) but defibrillation successfully recovered the sinus rhythm. The patient was brought to our hospital as an emergency. She underwent emergency cardiac catheterization. Coronary angiography demonstrated severe three vessel disease with left main coronary trunk (LMT) stenosis. Even during intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP), the hemodynamic state was unstable, with repeated development of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. An emergency coronary artery bypass without a cardiopulmonary bypass was performed. Saving her life was of primary importance and revascularization of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) branch, was performed. Thanks to the advances made in various devices, safe and reliable anastomoses have become possible in OPCAB applied to ACS. OPCAB for ACS have become safe and reliable anastomoses following development of various devices. We think that OPCAB is an effective surgical technique for coronary revascularization for emergency or serious cases involving elderly patients.     

Application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with acute coronary syndrome requiring emergency surgery.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has become a more applicable procedure, even in patients with multi-vessel disease. However, the role of OPCAB for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requiring emergency revascularization has not been established yet. We reviewed our results of emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with ACS. Seventy-two patients with ACS who underwent emergency CABG were studied. Twenty-five underwent OPCAB and 47 on-pump CABG. OPCAB was mainly indicated for patients who were possibly at risk for cardiopulmonary bypass. When the coronary anatomy was suitable in younger or less risky patients, OPCAB was performed. Patients with multi-vessel disease or with a critical left main trunk lesion were not excluded from OPCAB. The mean number of grafted vessels was 2.6 per patient in the OPCAB group, and 3.8 per patient in the on-pump group (p<0.0001). However, none of the patients in either group required postoperative catheter intervention. Mean operative time was 195 minutes in the OPCAB group and 286 minutes in the on-pump group (p<0.0001). There were three postoperative deaths in the OPCAB group and four in the on-pump group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative cardiogenic shock was the only significant predictor for postoperative death (odds ratio, 7.33). The selection of the on-pump procedure or OPCAB did not correlate with operative death. Thus, we conclude that OPCAB can be performed safely and effectively in selected patients with ACS requiring emergency coronary revascularization.     

Active distal coronary perfusion to prevent regional myocardial ischemia in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Regional myocardial ischemia during anastomosis in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) can occasionally cause hemodynamic instability. To prevent regional myocardial ischemia and stabilize the hemodynamics during the procedure, perfusion of the distal coronary artery to the anastomotic site is necessary as the only reliable method. We have applied an active coronary perfusion method using a servo-controlled pump in selected patients in place of conventional passive perfusion methods (intraluminal shunt and external shunt). We present a case in which the active perfusion method proved useful in avoiding regional myocardial ischemia. A 74-year-old male patient with triple-vessel coronary disease underwent OPCAB for unstable angina. During revascularization of the main right coronary artery, the hemodynamics collapsed due to regional myocardial ischemia. As soon as the distal coronary artery was perfused at a high flow rate around 80 ml/min, the hemodynamics stabilized and the operation was completed successfully. This active coronary perfusion method in OPCAB is particularly useful in cases in which regional myocardial ischemia cause hemodynamic instability.     

体外循环和非体外循环冠状动脉旁路术围手术期心肌损伤程度的对比研究

目的　对比研究常规体外循环下冠状动脉旁路术 (CCABG)和非体外循环心脏跳动下冠状动脉旁路术 (OPCAB)围手术期心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)动态变化规律 ,以明确心肌损伤的程度。方法　 5 9例不稳定心绞痛患者 ,射血分数 (EF) 0 35～ 0 5 6 ,其中 34例行OPCAB ,患者平均年龄 (5 9 1± 1 7)岁 ,平均搭桥数 1 0～ 5 0支 ,平均 (2 90± 0 8)支 ;2 5例行CCABG ,患者平均年龄 (5 6 5± 1 8)岁。搭桥数 2 0～ 5 0支 ,平均 (3 2± 0 7)支。分别在术前 ,术后第 8、2 4、48、72、96、12 0h时 ,采集患者静脉血标本 ,离心后取血浆测定cTnI值。cTnI的测定采用自动双抗体夹心酶联免疫荧光测定法 ,仪器检测灵敏度cTnI 0 35 μg/L。　 结果　术前 2组患者cTnI差异无显著性意义 (P >0 0 5 )。OPCAB手术组cTnI值在术后观察期内均低于CCABG组 ,差异有显著性意义 (t=1 9432 ,P =0 0 0 7)。全组患者无死亡 ,均痊愈出院。　结论　cTnI是诊断心肌损伤的良好指标。OPCAB手术心肌损伤程度显著低于CCABG手术。     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction

Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) is less invasive, so we have recently been expanding the indication. We performed OPCAB for 3 patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). PATIENTS: All patients were supported hemodynamically by intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) prior to surgery. RESULTS: We performed the revascularization of territories for the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA) in these high risk patients using OPCAB technique to improve the hemodynamic state. In all patients, IABP was removed within 48 hours after surgery and the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that OPCAB is a useful and effective procedure for a selected patient even with cardiogenic shock due to AMI.     

Bispectral index as an indicator of cerebral hypoperfusion during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Bradycardia and hypotension are common during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). We present a case of possible reversible global cerebral hypoperfusion during distal grafting of the left circumflex coronary artery. The bispectral index (BIS) suddenly decreased from values of 45-50 to 0 during distal grafting. Neurologic evaluation after immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room was normal and the 58 yr old patient did not suffer any neurologic sequelae. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged 5 days after surgery. Cerebral hypoperfusion is a possible complication during OPCAB. BIS monitoring in OPCAB could be an indicator of cerebral hypoperfusion.     

Is routine application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting warranted?

The limitation and indication of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) remain controversial. Since May 1999, we have applied OPCAB for all isolated coronary bypass cases routinely. Intraoperative conversion to CCAB occurred in 8 patients (10.8%). The main reasons for conversion were intramyocardial coronary arteries and arythmia-induced hemodynamic instability in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. We evaluated the results of OPCAB as compared to conventional coronary artery bypass (CCAB) as a historical control. The operative mortality was 1.6% in both groups. Postoperative complications including renal failure and requirements of circulatory support were significantly less in OPCAB. Postoperative max CPK-MB value, the amount of postoperative bleeding and the requirement of transfusion were also significantly less in OPCAB. Only neurological complication in OPCAB was temporary delirium in a high-aged patient, whereas three patients developed neurological complications including permanent stroke in CCAB. Right heart bypass was effectively utilized to maintain hemodynamics and expose the posterior vessels in patients with severely dilated and poorly functioning left ventricle (EF: 24-31%) and a patient with multiple severe stenosis in cerebral arteries. Coronary angiogram performed after the operation demonstrated 94% of graft patency. These results warrant the further application of OPCAB for multivessel surgical revascularization.     

Multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass grafting in the elderly patient is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. The avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in this population is potentially beneficial. We examined our initial experience with off-pump multivessel coronary artery revascularization in patients aged 70 years and older. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 300 off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) operations performed by a single surgeon between 1996 and 1999, 98 patients were aged 70 years and older. These patients were compared with a consecutive cohort of 497 patients aged 70 years and older operated on with CPB in the same institution from 1995 to 1996, period where OPCAB surgery was not performed in our institution. RESULTS: Patients in the beating heart group were older (75+/-4 vs. 74+/-3 years; P=0.001). Gender distribution and other preoperative risk factors were comparable for the two groups. On average, 3.0+/-0.8 and 2.8+/-0.7 grafts per patient were completed in the OPCAB and the CPB groups, respectively (P=0.007). Perioperative mortality rates (OPCAB group, 3.1%; CPB group, 3.6%), perioperative myocardial infarction (OPCAB, 2.0%; CPB, 5.1%) and neurologic events (OPCAB, 1.0%; CPB, 3.2%) were comparable for the two groups. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was lower in the OPCAB group (42 vs. 54%; P=0.05). The need for allogenic blood transfusions was significantly less in the OPCAB group (53 vs. 82%; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients aged 70 years and older, multivessel OPCAB surgery is associated with lower rates of postoperative atrial fibrillation and reduced transfusion requirements. Multivessel OPCAB in the elderly patient is an acceptable alternative to procedures performed with CPB.     

Safe evolution towards routine off-pump coronary artery bypass: negotiating the learning curve

Objective: Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) hopes to avoid morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, improving clinical outcomes. Yet its technical difficulty and unfamiliarity raise concern that adoption of OPCAB might be associated with poorer outcomes during each surgeon's ‘learning curve’. We examined trends in patient selection over time as a single surgeon's practice evolved to routine OPCAB. Methods: Between 10-1-96 and 12-31-01, 1479 consecutive patients had isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Clinical data were gathered prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. Trends in adoption of OPCAB and clinical outcomes were examined. Results: There were 756 OPCAB and 723 CABG/cardiopulmonary bypass patients. The practice evolved from 90% conventional CABG to 93% OPCAB. An abrupt transition coincided with evolution of techniques to expose the obtuse marginal arteries, and improvements in suction-based coronary stabilizers. Mortality was 1.0% for the off-pump group and 2.1% for the on-pump group. Careful patient selection helped maintain acceptable outcomes during the ‘learning curve’. Patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, left main disease, and complex three vessel disease were excluded from OPCAB until significant experience (>200 cases) was attained. Presently, all isolated coronary bypass cases are candidates for OPCAB except patients with ischemic ventricular arrhythmias, those in cardiac arrest, and those for whom previous left pneumonectomy or deep pectus excavatum prevent rightward mobilization of heart. Conclusions: Despite a significant learning curve, evolution to routine OPCAB can be achieved while maintaining good patient outcomes. The development of specialized techniques, coronary stabilizers, and apical suction devices allows the application of OPCAB to virtually all coronary bypass patients, as surgeon experience matures.     

Pituitary apoplexy with third cranial nerve palsy after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

We present a rare case with pituitary apoplexy after three-vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). The patient exhibited right third cranial nerve palsy; ptosis of the right eye with completely dilated pupils and a loss of reflex to light after the effects of anesthesia completely subsided. The patient underwent endonasal transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary gland 14 days after the OPCAB, and the symptoms completely disappeared 40 days after the resection. OPCAB is recommended for patients with known pituitary tumor who require coronary artery bypass grafting, but OPCAB also has a risk of pituitary apoplexy. The present case report is the first to describe pituitary apoplexy after OPCAB. Pituitary apoplexy is a very rare complication after cardiac surgery, but cardiac surgeons should know the disease and quickly diagnose it to avoid severe brain injury.     

不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植术联合同期肺切除术

目的总结不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植术联合同期肺切除术的经验。方法7例不稳定性心绞痛或心肌梗死合并可切除肺部病变患者,实施不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植术联合同期肺切除术。所有患者术前行冠状动脉造影证实不宜行冠状动脉成形术或支架植入术。采用胸骨正中切口,不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植术后行肺切除术。左上肺叶切除2例,右上肺叶切除1例,右上、中叶切除1例,右下肺叶切除1例,左侧肺减容术1例,双侧肺减容术1例。结果本组无住院死亡,但有1例后期死亡。术后并发症包括1例胸骨哆开再次开胸固定、1例房颤。病理检查结果5例肺部恶性肿瘤、2例慢性阻塞性肺气肿。患者随访2～31个月,所有患者术后没有再次出现心肌缺血症状,1例行右肺上、中叶切除患者术后19个月出现局部复发。结论胸骨正中切口不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植术联合同期肺切除术是安全有效的并能降低术后并发症。     

Single vessel revascularization with beating heart techniques -- minithoracotomy or sternotomy?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the best surgical approach in off-pump single vessel revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). METHODS: In 256 patients a single left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD bypass was performed with beating heart techniques through a left anterior minithoracotomy (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), n=129) or a full sternotomy (off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), n=127). RESULTS: In the OPCAB group, significantly more severe comorbidities (P=0.001) and redo-operations were noted (P<0.001). Conversion to sternotomy or CPB was necessary in five MIDCAB patients and one OPCAB patient. No cerebrovascular accident was seen in both groups. There was no hospital death in MIDCAB- and two deaths in OPCAB procedures (P=ns). There was a significant reduction in time of surgery (P=0.028) and coronary occlusion (P=0.009) in the OPCAB group. No differences in postoperative ventilation time, ICU stay and length of hospital stay were recorded between groups. Wound infections occurred in six MIDCAB patients (4.7%) and one OPCAB patient (0.8%). Early postoperative reoperation due to graft failure was necessary in three patients after MIDCAB and two patients after OPCAB (P=ns). Confirmed by angiography, the early graft patency rate was 96 and 98%, respectively (P=ns). CONCLUSIONS: Both beating heart techniques showed good results with low hospital mortality, low early complications and comparable angiographic results. Nevertheless, MIDCAB is a challenging technique as demonstrated by the longer times of surgery and coronary occlusion with a tendency towards a higher risk of conversion and wound infection. Thus, this technique should only be performed in selected patients with favourable coronary anatomy. Through a sternotomy approach, single vessel revascularization can be performed safely off-pump even in high-risk patients.     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in early stage myocardial infarction treatment

We evaluated the surgical results of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) performed within the first 12 h of infarction in patients with acute myocardial infarction. From January 2005 to January 2007, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass was performed in 56 patients with acute coronary syndromes. The mean age was 62.9 (range, 51-86) years. All patients underwent OPCAB via sternotomy. An average of 2.5 +/- 1.1 grafts per patient were performed. The mortality rate was 7.1% (4 of 56 patients). One patient suffered from postoperative stroke (1.7%), and 3 (5.3%) needed hemofiltration for acute renal failure. Postsurgery elective coronary angiography (n = 21) showed no significant stenosis. These results indicate that emergency OPCAB can be applied to patients with acute myocardial infarction with low morbidity and mortality and excellent early results.     

Is low ejection fraction safe for off-pump coronary bypass operation?

BACKGROUND: Does the manipulation of the heart during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedure further compromise the hemodynamic stability of a patient with depressed left ventricular function compared with the conventional coronary artery bypass (CCAB) approach? Does this manipulation induce a more dramatic hypoperfused state that may contribute to an increase in the incidence of related complications or mortality? This retrospective review of data attempted to answer the above concern. METHODS: Between January 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999, 177 patients with ejection fractions of 30% or less underwent full sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution. Of these patients, 45 underwent OPCAB procedures and 132 patients underwent CCAB. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables as identified by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database were compared using univariate and logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: Despite recognized hemodynamic derangement during cardiac displacement, these groups of OPCAB patients appeared to tolerate the procedure well. Univariate analysis of cardiac enzyme leak and blood loss was statistically significant in the OPCAB patients. Utilizing regression analysis, cardiopulmonary bypass was the only predictor for all postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Multivessel coronary artery bypass utilizing the OPCAB approach in patients with depressed left ventricular function of equal to or less than 30% is appropriate and applicable. Analysis of CCAB and OPCAB variables was nonsignificant except for operative and postoperative blood loss and peak cardiac enzyme leak. Attention to intraoperative detail and hemodynamic management could be credited for the success with OPCAB.     

Simultaneous off-pump coronary revascularization with pulmonary resection or vascular surgery

Patients who require coronary artery bypass grafting and who also have vascular disease or lung malignancy constitute a high-risk group, and their management remains controversial. Combining off-pump coronary surgery (OPCAB) with peripheral artery revascularization or lung resection is an attractive proposition, as it avoids the risks associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. This paper presents the results of 26 such combined procedures consisting of simultaneous OPCAB and peripheral revascularization or lung resection, between April 2001 and March 2003. Twenty underwent concomitant carotid endarterectomy and OPCAB, four underwent aortobifemoral bypass and OPCAB, and two underwent pneumonectomy and OPCAB. There was no in-hospital mortality. Prolonged ventilatory support was necessary in one patient who had a lung resection. The median postoperative length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit was 1.3 days (range 1 to 6) and the median length of hospital stay was 5.7 days (range 4 to 16 days). Off-pump coronary surgery clearly has a place for patients with peripheral vascular disease or pulmonary malignancy who additionally require myocardial revascularization.     

非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术在高危冠心病中的应用

目的 探讨用非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术(OPCAB)的方法，以避免体外循环对冠心病高危因素患者产生的不良影响。方法 对100例冠心病患者行OPCAB，其中69例伴有冠心外科手术的高危因素。血管病变主要涉及左、右冠状动脉各分支。结果 手术死亡1例(1.4％)，手术转换2例(2．9％)，移植血管失功1例(1.4％)，术后非致命性心肌梗死4例(5．8％)，肾功能衰竭1例(1．4％)，胸骨感染1例(1．4％)，24小时内拔除气管内插管68例(98.6％)，接受输血17例(25．O％)。术后随访56例，随访时间1—13个月，死亡2例，心绞痛复发4例，充血性心力衰竭2例。术后无脑血管意外、再次手术止血、室性心律失常、下胶切口感染和呼吸衰竭等并发症发生。随访病例中14例做冠状动脉血管造影术，仅1例移植血管狭窄大于50％。所有乳内动脉血管桥均通畅。结论 对某些具有冠心外科手术高危因素的患者，采用OPCAB可降低并发症发生率和手术死亡率。然而，这种技术较适用于冠状动脉解剖条件较好的病例。远期结果需要长期随访进一步加以证实。     

Acute dissection of the left anterior descending after contusio cordis

Traumatic coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma is extremely rare. The diagnosis is often delayed and some are only diagnosed postmortem. We report a case of acute dissection of the left anterior descending (LAD) after contusio cordis that presented at our institution. In our case we performed the off pump coronary artery bypass operation (OPCAB) procedure with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) on LAD by a partial lower sternotomy approach. There were no operative or perioperative complications and the patient was discharged from hospital 6 days postoperatively. OPCAB operation through the partial lower sternotomy is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patients with acute dissection of a coronary artery after blunt chest trauma.     

Perioperative coronary artery spasm in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and its possible relation with perioperative hypomagnesemia.

PURPOSE: We experienced 3 cases of serious perioperative coronary artery spasm in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). In consideration of the causes, we directed our attention to hypomagnesemia, one of the triggers of coronary artery spasm. This study was performed to confirm the tendency to hypomagnesemia in OPCAB. METHODS: First, we report 3 patients having severe coronary artery spasm immediately after OPCAB with consideration of the causes. Second, serial magnesium (Mg) value (xylidyl blue method, normal 1.9-3.1 mg/dl) was measured in 45 consecutive patients with OPCAB between April and October 2002, 1) before starting the operation, and 2) after the patient's entrance into the intensive care unit. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative values of Mg (mg/dl) were 2.1+/-0.3, 1.7+/-0.3, respectively (p < 0.01). Postoperative incidence of hypomagnesemia was as high as 89% of the patients (40 out of 45 patients). In this study and thereafter, we corrected hypomagnesemia with magnesium sulfate during and after OPCAB, and no perioperative coronary artery spasm occurred. CONCLUSION: Hypomagnesemia, one of the triggers of coronary artery spasm, is very common in OPCAB. We strongly recommend the correction of hypomagnesemia during and after OPCAB for the prevention of perioperative coronary artery spasm.     

Experience of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with starfish heart positioner

Recent advances in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) technique have demonstrated that multivessel coronary revascularization can be safely performed in selected patient without cardiopulmonary bypass. Numerous positioning technique and devices have been developed to assist access to coronary vessels during OPCAB, such as deep pericardial suture, surgical pads, and cardiac positioning device and stabilizers. We used new cardiac positioning device Starfish heart positioner (Medtronic Corporation) for 2 case of OPCAB. Starfish heart positioner was very useful to successfully perform multivessel coronary bypass on all walls of the beating heart. Starfish heart positioner will facilitate and expand the ability to easily and consistently perform OPCAB.