Successful off pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma

We report a successful off pump coronary artery bypass case in a patient with a pre-operatively undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. The patient had no signs of ischemia intra- or post-operatively due to aggressive antihypertensive treatment. We would also like to emphasize the importance of using an adequate stabilizing device in order to safely perform anastomoses in a situation like this.     

Coronary artery spasm after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery spasm (CAS) in the immediate postoperative period has been recognized as a possible cause for perioperative myocardial ischaemia after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It varies in severity and can be associated with circulatory collapse and death. The purpose of this study was to present our experiences on CAS after off-pump CABG and detail its management. METHODS: The case reports of three patients with similar clinical presentations of ischaemic heart disease who underwent CABG using an off-pump technique are reviewed. Severe manifestations of CAS in the immediate postoperative period with documented angiographic findings are presented. RESULTS: Three patients (two men and one woman) with angina pectoris were diagnosed with coronary artery disease using coronary angiography. The elective off-pump CABG was uneventful; however, severe manifestation of myocardial ischaemia with abrupt onset developed at the intensive care unit. All three patients underwent immediate coronary angiography to verify the diagnosis of CAS. Apart from intracoronary nitroglycerine infusion and medical support with inotropic agents, extracorporeal membranous oxygenation was carried out because of severe haemodynamic deterioration in one case, while support was required with intraaortic balloon pumping in another. All three patients made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery spasm can severely complicate the postoperative course for patients undergoing off-pump CABG, leading to myocardial ischaemia or infarction, life-threatening arrhythmias, persistent hypotension and even cardiac arrest. Early awareness and diagnosis of CAS with the establishment of appropriate management strategies may prevent its potentially lethal consequences.     

Off-pump technique in coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly patients

Background: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of beating heart coronary artery revascularization in patients aged at least 80 years. Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out for 17 patients aged over 80 years who underwent isolated off‐pump CABG at the Tri‐Service General Hospital, Taiwan, during the period July 1999 to December 2000. The demographic characteristics, operative data, postoperative results and short‐term outcomes of patients were compared with those of 12 patients who underwent conventional CABG using CPB during the same time period. Results: The off‐pump group consisted of 13 men and four women with a mean age of 82.2 ± 0.9 years and an ejection fraction of 53.4 ± 4.1%. The on‐pump group consisted of eight men and four women with a mean age of 83.5 ± 0.5 and an ejection fraction of 42.0 ± 4.8%. The mean number of anastomoses performed per patient was 3.1 ± 0.3 in the off‐pump group and 3.0 ± 0.14 in the on‐pump group. There was no occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, re‐entry for bleeding or renal failure among patients in the off‐pump group. Intubation time (10.6 vs 48.4 h), intensive care unit stay (2.9 vs 4.2 days) and postoperative stay (12.7 vs 18.1 days) were significantly shorter in the off‐pump group than in the on‐pump group. No patient died in the off‐pump group, whereas one patient died in the on‐pump group. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the off‐pump technique is a safe and efficacious method for myocardial revascularization in elderly patients and that the short‐term outcome obtained with this technique are promising. Our data suggest that the off‐pump technique is preferable in these patients.     

Early angiographic control of perioperative ischemia after coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective: To assess the impact of immediate angiography in patients with defined clinical and laboratory criteria of perioperative myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass operation. Patients and methods: Between January 1999 and December 1999 2052 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in our institution. Out of this cohort 131 (6.4%) patients met the criteria of perioperative myocardial ischemia, which was defined as: (a) increase in the isoenzyme ratio of creatinine phosphokinase (CK/CK-MB] above 10%; (b) ischemic electrocardiographic episodes (defined as a new onset of elevated ST-segment change lasting at least 1 min and involving a shift from baseline of greater than or equal to 0.1 mV of ST-depression and a new association of a postoperative Q; (c) recurrent episodes of, or sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia as well as ventricular fibrillation; (d) hemodynamic deterioration despite adequate inotropic support. Results: Angiography was performed in 108 patients (5.3%, group A) whereas 23 patients (1.1%, group B) were immediately re-operated due to severely compromised hemodynamics. Angiographic results in group A showed regular grafts in 45 patients (2.2%); 63 patients (3.1%) had either an occlusion (n=41), incorrect anastomosis (n=29), graft stenosis (n=14), graft spasm (n=6), displaced graft (n=6), poor distal run-off (n=5) or incomplete revascularization (n=2). In group A 43 patients underwent a re-operation (34 patients) or an early angioplasty (nine patients). Due to poor coronary artery status no intervention was performed in the remaining 20 patients with angiographic findings. Operative findings in group B showed graft occlusion in ten patients (43.5%), incorrect anastomosis in five patients (21.7%), bleeding, stretched graft, venous graft spasm and displaced graft in one patient (4.3%) each, and no patho-morphological finding in 4 patients (17.4%). Thirty-day mortality rate was ten patients in group A (9.3%), all of them with angiographic findings, as opposed to nine patients (39.1%) in group B. Conclusion: ST-change and elevated CK/CK-MB enzyme ratio is highly indicative for possible graft failure and should be followed early angiographic control to assess the need for reintervention.     

Transfusion and bleeding in coronary artery bypass grafting: an on-pump versus off-pump comparison

Blood transfusion rates in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are typically higher compared with off-pump CABG (OPCAB). However, few studies have specifically examined intraoperative hemodilution as a contributing factor. The aim of this retrospective review was to compare the effect of using CPB or OPCAB on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and postoperative bleeding. The lowest intraoperative hematocrit (Hct) was used as marker of intraoperative hemodilution. We reviewed the perioperative data of all isolated CABG patients at a metropolitan hospital from January 2003 to June 2005. Stepwise regression analyses were performed to determine whether CPB was an independent predictor of RBC transfusion, reoperation for bleeding, or postoperative chest drainage. Of a total of 1043 patients, there were 433 CPB and 610 off-pump cases. CPB use was not significantly related to increased RBC transfusions (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.52; p = .921) and was associated with a lower incidence of reoperations for bleeding (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8; p = .009). There was less chest drainage over the first 12 hours in patients undergoing CPB (p < .0001); however, total postoperative chest drainage was not significantly related to operative procedure (p = .122). The lowest documented intraoperative Hct was a significant factor in RBC transfusions (OR, 0.89; p < .0001), an increased reoperation rate for bleeding (OR, 0.9; p = .001) and more postoperative chest drainage (log10-transformed: at 12 hours, b = -0.009, p < .0001; total, b = -0.006, p < .0001). CPB is not an independent risk factor in the incidence of RBC transfusions and is not associated with increased postoperative bleeding for isolated CABG. However, intraoperative hemodilution is an independent risk factor, with a lower intraoperative Hct associated with more RBC transfusions, increased reoperations for bleeding, and increased postoperative chest drainage. Addressing intraoperative hemodilution is important in minimizing CPB-associated morbidities.     

Coronary artery and graft spasm after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

We report a case of a 52-year-old man with severe coronary artery and graft spasm after triple-vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Emergent coronary angiography was performed to identify the location and severity of the spasm. Intracoronary injections of several vasodilators failed to relieve the spasm. Observational treatments including intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropic drugs to increase coronary flow were performed until the spasm resolved. The patient recovered and was discharged. A follow-up coronary angiography revealed patent native coronary artery and bypass grafts without evidence of residual spasm.     

冠状动脉硬化性心脏病合并左锁骨下动脉严重狭窄非体外循环下同期手术的临床经验

目的探讨非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植同时主动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路治疗冠状动脉硬化性心脏病(冠心病)合并锁骨下动脉重度狭窄的手术方法及效果.方法2003年1月～2004年5月,我院治疗须行冠状动脉旁路移植术同时合并左锁骨下动脉近端重度狭窄3例,术中先行主动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路,左乳内动脉获得满意的流量后,再行非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植.结果手术时间210～340 min,平均283 min,出血量570～1 630 ml,平均963 ml.游离左乳内动脉后量杯测流量均＜5 ml/min,主动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路后量杯测流量均＞50 ml/min,乳内动脉远端与前降支吻合后流量仪测流量12～27 ml/min,平均20 ml/min.术后临床症状缓解,未发现冠脉-锁骨下动脉窃血综合征.3例随访3～6个月,平均5个月,无心绞痛发作.结论非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植同时主动脉-锁骨下动脉旁路手术是治疗冠心病合并锁骨下动脉重度狭窄简单而有效的方法.     

体外循环和非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术围术期血小板数量和功能的变化研究

目的分析体外循环和非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术（CCABG和OPCAB）围术期血小板数量和功能的变化情况。方法随机选取接受CCABG和OPCAB的患者各30例,术后常规阿司匹林治疗（100mg,每天1次）,分别记录两组术前、术后当天、术后1d、5d和10d的血小板数量及二磷酸腺苷诱导的血小板聚集率（PAG）。描绘走行趋势图,分析术后血小板数量和PAG的变化规律。结果在术后常规阿司匹林治疗的情况下,CCABG组和OPCAB组患者术后早期血小板数量均短暂下降,然后显著上升并超过术前水平（P〈0．01）,这种变化在CCABG组更明显。两组的PAG术后均增高（P〈0．05）,于术后第10天,OPCAB组基本恢复正常,而CCABG组仍高于术前水平（P〈0．05）。结论无论是否应用体外循环,CABG术后均有血小板数量的增加和功能的提高,体外循环组的变化更明显。     

非体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术

目的 总结110例非体外循环心脏跳动下冠状动脉旁路移植术经验，探讨其手术适应证、优缺点及手术方法。方法 常温、全身麻醉，胸正中切口，非体外循环心脏跳动下，应用特殊心表固定器行冠状动脉旁路移植术，平均搭桥3．9支，血管桥为乳内动脉、大隐静脉及桡动脉。结果 全组无手术死亡，术后心绞痛症状消失。手术时间平均为210min，术后气管插管时间平均为4．8h。术后住院时间平均为10d，住院费用平均为4．4万元。其中3例术中出现不可逆血压过低、室颤而转为体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术。结论 非体外循环心脏跳动下冠状动脉旁路移植术是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。特别适合于老年及心功能差的患者，可减少体外循环并发症，缩短术后住院时间，降低住院费用，但不能完全替代体外循环旁路移植术。     

Coronary artery bypass grafting for dialysis patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of cardiopulmonary bypass during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in dialysis patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty four isolated CABG patients who underwent on cardiopulmonary bypass and whose intraoperative body weight gains were accurately measured were studied retrospectively. The mean intraoperative body weight gain was 2.61 +/- 0.9 kg/m2 in the study group and 1.06 +/- 0.6 kg/m2 in controls, i.e.) 100 patients selected at random from CABG patients during the same period using cardiopulmonary bypass without chronic renal faulure, showing a statistically significant difference. Complete revascularization was successful in 98% of patients. Postoperative nonlethal complications involved brain infarction in 1 patient (1.7%), reintubation in 1 (1.7%), and paralytic ileus in 2 (3.4%). All were successfully extubated within 24 hours of surgery, and no sternal wound complications were found. Hospital mortality was 6.3% (4/64). Actuarial survival rates at 3, 5 and 8 years including all deaths were 90%, 70% and 56%, and estimated by cardiac deaths were 95%, 90%, and 90% respectively. Cardiac event free rates were 90%, 73% and 61% at 3, 5 and 8 years after CABG. CONCLUSIONS: In CABG for dialysis patients, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass demonstrates significant merits, and may expect long-term survival with minimal postoperative complications.     

Aortic operation after previous coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective Aortic surgery for progressive aortic valve disease or aortic aneurysm after previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a challenging procedure. We report the outcome of aortic reoperation after previous CABG and evaluate our management of patent grafts and our methods for obtaining myocardial protection.Methods: From February 2001 to July 2003, 6 patients with progressive aortic valve disease and aneurysm of the thoracic aorta were operated on. The group comprised 3 men and 3 women with a mean age of 67.6 years. There were 4 patients with an aneurysm of the aortic arch, 1 with chronic ascending aortic dissection, and 1 with progressive aortic valve stenosis. The interval between previous CABG and aortic surgery was 74.0±44.2 months. All reoperations were performed via median resternotomy. Myocardial protection was obtained by hypothermic perfusion of patentin-situ arterial grafts following cold-blood cardioplegia administration via the aortic root under aortic cross clamping.Results: The operative procedure was aortic arch replacement in 4 patients, ascending aortic replacement with double CABG in 1, and aortic valve replacement in 1. All patients survived the reoperation. Postoperative maximum creatine kinase-MB was 49.2±29.8 and no new Q-waves occurred in the electrocardiogram nor were any new wall motion abnormalities recognized on echocardiography. There were no late deaths during a follow-up of 30.7 months.Conclusion: Reoperative aortic procedures after CABG can be performed safely with myocardial protection via hypothermie perfusion of a patentin-situ arterial graft. (Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 54:155-159)     

Physiological comparison of off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Objectives: Despite the long-term benefit, the operative results of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting for chronic hemodialysis patients remain unsatisfactory. The efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for hemodialysis patients is yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the postoperative physiology of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for hemodialysis patients. Methods: Twenty-five hemodialysis cases who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were reviewed. Fifteen of these patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (off-group) and 10 underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (on-group). Comparisons were made in cardiac function (cardiac index and stroke volume index), respiratory function (AaDO₂), hemodialysis management (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, right atrial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure), and bleeding tendency (postoperative blood loss and blood transfusion). Results: There was no operative mortality, but 3 major postoperative complications occurred (2 sternal wound infections in the off-group and 1 pneumonia in the on-group). There was no difference in cardiac index or stroke volume index. AaDO₂ was significantly lower in the off-group. Plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were similar between groups. Right atrial pressure was lower and pulmonary wedge pressure tended to be lower in the off-group. Postoperative bleeding and blood transfusion were similar between groups. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is feasible for hemodialysis patients. Physiologic data showed that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting might be effective in preserving postoperative lung oxygenation.     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with liver cirrhosis

We report a case of unstable angina pectoris and alcohol-related Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis. The patient was a 60-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with chest pain. He had previously been diagnosed to have Child B cirrhosis due to alcoholic liver dysfunction at 58 years of age. He also had experienced ruptured esophageal varices, moderate ascites, and hyperammonemia. We performed percutaneous catheter intervention; however, he developed re-stenosis in the right coronary artery, and progression in the disease in other coronary arteries. We then performed coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. He was discharged on the 13th postoperative day without any complications. This case demonstrated that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was safe for such a patient.     

Massive coronary spasm of the native coronary system after coronary artery bypass grafting: Two patients with different outcomes

We report the cases of two patients who developed a massive spasm of the native coronary system in the immediate postoperative period, following a coronary artery bypass grafting operation with different outcomes. The first patient was hemodynamic stable and it was manifested as ischemic electrocardiographic changes in different leads (ST elevation or depression). He was treated with intracoronary and intravenous administration of nitroglycerin and calcium channel blocker and had a favorable outcome. The second patient died due to multiorgan failure and hemorrhagic shock, after the implantation of a central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.     

Efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for the patients on chronic hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under a beating heart is reported to be less invasive and promise earlier recovery. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of off-pump CABG in patients with end-stage renal failure. METHODS: Isolated CABG was performed on 40 hemodialysis patients at Shin-Tokyo Hospital Group between September 1, 1993, and December 31, 2000. Among them, off-pump CABG was performed in 16 and on-pump CABG in 24. Their preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Patient's demographics and coronary risk factors were similar in off-pump and on-pump groups. The mean number of bypass grafts was 1.9 +/- 1.1 in the off-pump group and 2.8 +/- 1.1 in the on-pump group (P < 0.05). Blood transfusion was significantly less frequent in the off-pump group than in on-pump group. Postoperative complications were more frequently observed in the on-pump group (7.1% off-pump vs 25.0% on-pump). There were two hospital deaths in the on-pump group and none in the off-pump group. Postoperative intubation time, ICU stay, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the off-pump group than in the on-pump group. Although follow-up period was short (1.1 +/- 0.7 years), no cardiac events occurred in the off-pump group. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump CABG for hemodialysis patients is safe and useful and it enables early recovery. Postoperative cardiac events were controlled effectively during the short period of follow-up.     

Revascularization using satellite vein after radial artery harvested for coronary artery bypass grafting

The radial artery has been increasingly used for coronary artery bypass grafting and has excellent long-term patency rates. Hand claudication is one of the adverse effects after radial artery harvest. We reconstructed a radial artery using the satellite vein to prevent hand claudication. Pulsating blood flow at 35 cm/sec was evaluated using color Doppler echocardiography three months after surgery. This method makes it possible to use a radial artery in patients with a positive Allen test.     

Combined left lower lobectomy and off pump coronary artery bypass grafting through left posterolateral thoracotomy

Carcinoma lung coexists with coronary artery disease in a significant number of patients. If a lung resection can be combined with off pump coronary Artery Bypass grafting in such patients, morbidity and mortality associated with staged procedures can be significantly reduced. Once such case is highlighted here.     

Sequential bypass using the right gastroepiploic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective: Since 1989, we have applied the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) as a third arterial conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and started to use sequential RGEA in 1992. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of sequential RGEA grafting in CABG.Methods: From December 1990 to January 2000, 46 patients underwent CABG with sequential RGEA. There were 42 male and 4 female patients with a mean age of 59±8.1 years. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 70 months.Results: The mean number of anastomoses was 3.7 per patient. Mean luminal diameter of the RGEA was 2.2±0.4 mm by preoperative angiography and 2.3±0.6 mm by intraoperative measurement. Patency of the sequential RGEA was 92%; proximal anastomosis 100%, distal anastomosis 86% (p=0.01). The 5-year actuarial survival and cardiac event-free rate were 91% and 93%, respectively.Conclusions: Sequential bypass using the RGEA is feasible, with excellent early and long-term results. The indication for sequential RGEA, however, needs careful anatomical consideration of both the luminal diameter of the RGEA and proximal stenosis of the target coronary arteries.