Redo coronary artery bypass grafting

Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is more challenging than primary CABG in many aspects. Patients who undergo redo CABG are older, more comorbid, and with more sclerotic coronary and noncardiac arteries than seen in primary CABG. Operative procedures are more complicated, reentry of the sternum is sometimes problematic, and dissection of the heart is needed. If patent vein grafts are diseased, they can be sources of thromboembolism, and the patent left internal thoracic artery (ITA) anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) must not be injured. The number of redo CABG procedures has been decreasing, because of frequent use of ITA to the LAD in primary CABG, aggressive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by interventional cardiologists, and optimal medical therapy after primary CABG. In-hospital mortality in redo CABG is two to five times higher than that of primary CABG, although outcomes have been improving in recent years despite the patients’ more comorbid background. Long-term survival after redo CABG is comparable to that of PCI. The indication for redo CABG should be limited to patients who have jeopardized LAD territory, which is viable. CABG is also preferable to PCI in patients with more diseased vein grafts and low cardiac function. Various technical refinements have also improved the surgical results of redo CABG. Retrograde cardioplegia greatly contributed to proper myocardial protection, especially when the occluded coronary arteries are supplied by patent in situ arterial grafts. The off-pump technique has been used in redo CABG and may be beneficial in a selected, more comorbid population.     

Reoperative coronary bypass surgery using normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass: comparison with first-time procedures.

Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is characterized by increased patient risk compared with first-time CABG. The reason for higher risk is not completely understood but it is logically related to inadequate myocardial preservation evidenced by the higher incidence of postoperative low-output syndrome. We compared normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with cold blood maintenance cardioplegia in both first-time and redo CABGs to determine whether this single approach is appropriate for both instances. Five hundred seventeen consecutive CABG patients were retrospectively reviewed. Four hundred fifty-four first-time CABG procedures were compared with 44 redo procedures. All aspects of the operation were identical including myocardial preservation. Retrospective univariant analysis of both groups followed. Three clinical features distinguished first-time versus redo CABG. These were previous percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (first-time 19% vs redo 71%; P < 0.001), preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (first-time 38% vs redo 71%; P < 0.001), and Parsonnet risk score (first-time 11.7+/-8.2 vs redo 19.2+/-8.8; P < 0.001). Operative mortality for redo CABG was higher than in first-time procedures (3.4% vs 6.4%; P = not significant), although small sample size limited statistical significance. The length of stay was statistically longer in redo patients (8.7+/-10.8 vs 6.0+/-5.1 days; P < 0.01) and is related to a higher Parsonnet score, increased postoperative pneumonia, and failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty before redo CABG. We conclude that redo CABG is a different operation from first-time procedures and requires enhanced myocardial preservation. Normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with cold blood maintenance cardioplegia does not appear to achieve this goal.     

Beating heart versus conventional single-vessel reoperative coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND: Reoperative (redo) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump) is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality than first-time CABG. It is unknown, however, whether CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump) may yield an improved clinical outcome over conventional on-pump redo CABG. METHODS: We compared the perioperative outcomes of patients with single-vessel disease who underwent on-pump (n = 41) versus off-pump (n = 91) redo CABG between April 1992 and July 1999. The two groups were similar with respect to baseline characteristics and risk stratification: mean Parsonnet scores were 26 +/- 9 for on-pump versus 24 +/- 8 for off-pump patients (p = nonsignificant). RESULTS: On-pump redo patients had a higher rate of postoperative transfusions (58% on-pump versus 27% off-pump, p = 0.001), prolonged ventilatory support (17% on-pump versus 4% off-pump, p = 0.03), and a higher rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation (29% on-pump versus 14% off-pump, p = 0.04). On-pump redo CABG was also associated with prolonged postoperative length of stay (8 +/- 4 days on-pump versus 5 +/- 2 days off-pump, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in on-pump than in off-pump patients (10% versus 1%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Single-vessel off-pump redo CABG can be performed safely with a lower operative morbidity and mortality than on-pump CABG and an abbreviated hospital stay compared with conventional on-pump redo CABG.     

再次冠状动脉旁路移植术42例临床分析

目的 总结再次冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)的临床特点及手术效果.方法 对2002年1月至2010年12月连续收治的42例CABG术后患者行再次CABG.其中男性29例,女性13例;年龄46～78岁,平均(61.2±2.1)岁.非体外循环CABG患者31例,心肺转流下CABG患者11例,同期分别行主动脉瓣置换术及主动脉根部替换+右半主动脉弓置换术各1例.结果 全组死亡3例,1例因术中右心室破裂死亡,1例因术后心力衰竭死亡,1例发生肾功能衰竭导致多器官功能衰竭死亡,围手术期病死率为4.8%.其余40例术后呼吸机辅助呼吸时间9～27 h,平均(17±7)h.术后心绞痛均消失,围手术期无心肌梗死发生,顺利恢复出院.术中接受主动脉内球囊反搏6例.术后随访38例,随访时间6～54个月,均无心绞痛发作;12例复查冠状动脉CTA,显示移植血管均通畅.结论 随着手术技巧和围手术期管理的改进,合理采用各种技术,再次冠状动脉旁路移植术可以取得满意疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of redo CABG.Methods The outcomes of 42 consecutive patients who underwent redo CABG from January 2002 to December 2010 was analyzed.There were 29 males and 13 females,aging from 46 to 78 years old with a mean of(61.2 ± 2.1)years.Off-pump CABG was applied for 31 patients and on-pump CABG for 11 patients.There were 1 patient underwent concomitant aortic valve replacement and 1 patient underwent aortic root and right aortic arch replacement respectively.Results Three patients died of right ventricle rupture,heart failure and multiple system organ failure respectively and the perioperative mortality rate was 4.8%.The post-operatively mechanical ventilation time varied from 9 to 27 h with a mean of(17 ±7)h.There was no residual angina and perioperative myocardial infarction in the remaining patients who were all discharged uneventfully.Intraoperative 6 patients had accepted intraaortic balloon counterpulsation.During the followup from 6 months to 4.5 years for 38 patients,which showed no evidence of recurrent angina and postoperative coronary CT angiography in 12 patients showed the patency of grafts is good.Conclusion Satisfactory outcome of redo coronary artery bypass grafting can be achieved if proper indication were choosed and reasonable management were performed.     

The radial artery in reoperative coronary bypass surgery:

BACKGROUND: Failure of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) is a significant cause for coronary reoperation (redo CABG). The radial artery (RA) because of its availability, and versatility is well suited to use (together with internal thoracic arteries (ITA) in redo CABG, especially to replace failed SVG. We evaluated our experience where the RA was a major conduit in redo CABG over the past 5 years. METHODS: From July 1996 to June 2002, 590 consecutive patients underwent redo CABG where one or both RA(s) were used, together with LITA or RITA. The mean age was 67.3 years, 82% were male, and 19% diabetic, 419 (71%) had Class III or IV angina, 135 (23%) had left main stenosis, and 210 (36%) had an LVEF < 0.50. There were a total of 877 RA conduits (303 single, 287 bilateral), 518 new LITA or RITA. A mean of 2.8 new distal anastomoses constructed 92% (2.6 per patient)of the arterial grafts. Follow-up was at 1 month, 3 months, and then yearly. The results were compared with 6466 primary CABG performed in the same time frame, and with a prior cohort of 741 consecutive patients having redo CABG without an RA in which identical operative techniques had otherwise been used. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 3.9% (23 patients). Morbidity was low. Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred in 16 (2.7%) patients, stroke in 10 (1.7%), sternal infection in 10 (1.7%), donor site infection in 2 (0.3%), and IABP use in 23 patients (3.9%)-including 10 preoperatively. The results were better when compared to a prior cohort of 741 patients with redo CABG (1991 to 1996) without use of the RA. The results were inferior to that of the contemporary primary CABG. Operative mortality was 3.9% versus 0.9%, p = 0.002, myocardial infarction 2.7% versus 0.8%, p = 0.03. CONCLUSION: The use of the RA (together with ITA) in redo CABG achieved total arterial revascularization in 92% of cases and is associated with excellent results, at least equal to or superior to those achieved previously.     

Myocardial protection in reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting:

Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality when compared to first-time CABG. Myocardial infarction and dysfunction contribute significantly to the increased risk of redo CABG. Results of reoperative coronary surgery have gradually improved, largely because of improvements in myocardial protection techniques. In the present review we will highlight the principles of myocardial protection in redo CABG patients with an emphasis on retrograde cardioplegia.     

The impact of advances in percutaneous catheter interventions on redo cardiac surgery

Toward the end of the twentieth century, redo cardiac surgery accounted for approximately 15–20% of total cardiac surgical volume. Major risk factors for redo cardiac surgery include young age at time of the first operation, progression of native coronary artery disease (CAD), vein graft atherosclerosis, bioprosthetic valve failure and endocarditis, and transplantation for end stage heart failure. Historically, redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone carried a mortality risk of around 4%. Factors such as older age, female sex, comorbidities, combined procedures, hemodynamic instability, and emergency procedures contributed to even higher mortality and morbidity. These poor outcomes made it necessary to look for less invasive alternate methods of treatment. Advances in catheter-based interventions have made a major impact on redo cardiac surgeries, making it no longer the first option in a majority of cases. Percutaneous interventions for recurrence following CABG, transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for calcific aortic stenosis, valve in valve (VIV) implantations, device closure of paravalvular leaks (PVL), and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for residual and recurrent aneurysms and mitral clip to correct mitral regurgitation (MR) in heart failure are rapidly developing or developed, obviating the need for redo cardiac surgery. Our intent is to review these advances and their impact on redo cardiac surgery.     

Outcome of patients listed for heart transplantation after a failed surgical ventricular restoration procedure

Patients with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy (IHD) and left ventricular (LV) dilatation are increasingly treated by means of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR). In some patients, SVR can delay heart transplantation (HTX). We retrospectively analyzed our experience, trying to ascertain whether HTX after a failed SVR (fSVR) carried a greater mortality risk. Since 1985, we performed 742 HTX. Since June 1999, 133 IHD patients were listed for HTX. We assigned them to 3 groups: (A) not a redo (n=54); (B) redo after coronary artery bypass grafting (n=54); and (C) redo after fSVR (n=25). Respectively, 37, 33, and 12 patients underwent HTX with in-hospital mortality after HTX of 4/37 (10.8%), 12/33 (36.4%), and 2/12 (16.7%). Mortality on the list was 9/54 (16.7%), 11/54 (20.4%), and 7/25 (28.0%) respectively. Removal from the list occurred in 4, 5, and 2 patients, and 4, 5, and 4 patients are still awaiting HTX, respectively. In group C, the mean time from SVR to HTX list was 45.6+/-43.3 months, and list mortality occurred after 5.83+/-5.81 months. In-hospital mortality in both patients of group C was due to the occurrence of multisystem organ failure; 10/12 were extubated after 19.3+/-9.6 hours and discharged from the intensive care unit after 3.9+/-1.6 days. The recorded complications were: 3 acute renal failure, 1 pericardial effusion, and 2 episodes of acute rejection. Since only 5/25 patients with fSVR had undergone SVR at our institution, we cannot establish which patients were really eligible for HTX at the time of SVR. Our experience showed that patients listed for HTX displayed a high list mortality, but that HTX after a failed SVR did not seem to have a poorer outcome than HTX after previous conventional CABG.     

Risks,benefits and results of reoperative coronary surgery with internal mammary grafts

To determine the effect of a prior internal mammary artery graft on coronary artery bypass reoperation, experience with 189 consecutive patients who underwent such surgery was reviewed. Some 147 patients (group I) received only saphenous vein grafts at the primary coronary bypass surgery (CABG) and 42 (group II) received at least one IMA graft at the primary CABG. There were no differences in preoperative patient characteristics or operative data between the groups. Significantly more redo CABG 0–5 years after the initial operation was seen in group II compared with that in group I, indicating inadequate first operation or technical difficulties. In group II a larger proportion of the patients had patent grafts at redo (52.4% versus 34.7%). There were no entry injuries to the grafts or the heart in either group. No operative mortality was encountered in group II, while seven patients in group I died (P < 0.05). Group II had more pneumonia (P < 0.01) and re-exploration for bleeding (P < 0.001) than group I. However, the overall postoperative morbidity in group II patients was less than in group I, though not statistically significant. When comparing patients with an occluded internal mammary artery graft at redo (group A) with those who had a patent internal mammary artery graft (group B) there were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics and preoperative patient profile, even though group B patients showed a trend towards a better preoperative cardiac profile. A mean of 2.4 grafts/patient were performed in group B compared with 4.0 in group A (P < 0.01). Other operative parameters did not differ between the groups. The overall perioperative morbidity was found to be lower in patients with a patent internal mammary artery graft at redo (group B) compared with that of group A, though not significantly so. It is concluded that myocardial function seems to be better preserved at the time of redo operation when an internal mammary artery graft is used at the first operation, especially if the internal mammary artery graft is patent and that the risk at redo CABG is not increased by a previously constructed internal mammary artery graft. This is encouraging as an increasing number of redo CABG procedures in which internal mammary artery grafts were used at the initial operation will be encountered.     

Minimally Invasive Approach for Redo Mitral Valve Surgery: A True Benefit for the Patient

ABSTRACT Objectives Redo mitral valve surgery via sternotomy is associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated a minimally invasive technique for mitral valve redo procedures. Material and Methods: Out of a series of 394 patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement via a right minithoracotomy, 39 patients underwent redo mitral valve surgery (59 ± 13 years, 23 female). Previous cardiac surgeries included 17 patients with mitral valve repair, 6 patients with mitral valve replacement, 3 patients with aortic valve replacement, 2 patients with atrial septal defect closure, and 11 patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In all cases, femoro-femoral cannulation was performed. The port access technique was applied in patients undergoing redo valve surgery. In patients with prior CABG, the operation was performed using deep hypothermia and ventricular fibrillation. Results: In all cases, sternotomy was avoided. The mitral valve was replaced in 20 patients and repaired in 19. Time of surgery and cross-clamp time were comparable with the overall series (168 ± 73 [redo] vs 168 ± 58 min and 52 ± 21 [redo] vs 58 ± 25 min). Mortality was 5.1%. One patient had transient hemiplegia due to the migration of the endoclamp. All other patients had uneventful outcomes and normal mitral valve function at 3-month's follow-up. Conclusion: Redo mitral valve surgery can be performed safely using a minimally invasive approach in patients with a previous sternotomy. The right lateral minithoracotomy offers excellent exposure. It minimizes the need for cardiac dissection, and thus, the risk for injury. Avoiding a resternotomy increases patient comfort of redo mitral valve surgery.     

Minimally invasive approach for redo mitral valve surgery: a true benefit for the patient

OBJECTIVES: Redo mitral valve surgery via sternotomy is associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated a minimally invasive technique for mitral valve redo procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of a series of 394 patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement via a right minithoracotomy, 39 patients underwent redo mitral valve surgery (59+/-13 years, 23 female). Previous cardiac surgeries included 17 patients with mitral valve repair, 6 patients with mitral valve replacement, 3 patients with aortic valve replacement, 2 patients with atrial septal defect closure, and 11 patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In all cases, femoro-femoral cannulation was performed. The port access technique was applied in patients undergoing redo valve surgery. In patients with prior CABG, the operation was performed using deep hypothermia and ventricular fibrillation. RESULTS: In all cases, sternotomy was avoided. The mitral valve was replaced in 20 patients and repaired in 19. Time of surgery and cross-clamp time were comparable with the overall series (168+/-73 [redo] vs 168+/-58 min and 52+/-21 [redo] vs 58+/-25 min). Mortality was 5.1%. One patient had transient hemiplegia due to the migration of the endoclamp. All other patients had uneventful outcomes and normal mitral valve function at 3-month's follow-up. CONCLUSION: Redo mitral valve surgery can be performed safely using a minimally invasive approach in patients with a previous sternotomy. The right lateral minithoracotomy offers excellent exposure. It minimizes the need for cardiac dissection, and thus, the risk for injury. Avoiding a resternotomy increases patient comfort of redo mitral valve surgery.     

Use of MIDCAB procedure for redo coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND: Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures are growing in importance due to the increasing number of patients requiring another bypass operation. Conventional redo-procedures are associated with an increased mortality and morbidity. To reduce risk, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) using the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending branch (LAD) may be preferable, when indicated, in selected patients. We report a series of patients who underwent this procedure for redo-CABG in our center. METHODS: Since April 1997, 20 male patients who had undergone prior CABG using conventional procedure, were reoperated using the LIMA to LAD through a lateral minithoracotomy on the beating heart. Nineteen patients presented for a redo-CABG; one patient required a second-time redo-CABG. Two patients required concomitant PTCA of a second vessel as hybrid procedure. We reviewed these redo cases and studied their surgical results for mortality, morbidity, operation time, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 139 min (90-180). Four patients were extubated directly postoperatively; the others had a short period of ventilatory support. There was no myocardial infarction, no deaths or need of inotropic support postoperatively. No patient required re-exploration for bleeding. All patients could be mobilized and discharged early. At present, all patients are living and classified as CCS class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that MIDCAB using IMA grafts for reoperation is a safe procedure with low risk for morbidity and mortality. This surgical technique is a useful alternative to conventional redo CABG in selected patients when complete revascularisation is not indicated.     

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Heart Transplantation in End-Stage Coronary Artery Disease: A Comparison of Hemodynamic Improvement and Ventricular Function

Heart transplantation has now become an accepted treatment for end-stage coronary heart disease (CAD). However, the limited supply of suitable donor organs imposes constraints upon the decision of whether patients are selected for transplantation or for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). From April 1986 until the end of March 1992, 265 patients with end-stage CAD involving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10% to 30% and predominant angina pectoris underwent CABG. All patients received an average of 2.9 ± 0.3 venous grafts. Intraaortic balloon pumps were implanted in 30 patients (11.3%) who began to develop low cardiac output syndrome intraoperatively. The actuarial survival rate was 87.8% after 2 years and 86.9% after 3 years. LVEF was measured in 35 patients via left heart catheterization 12 months after their operations and was found to have increased from a mean of 23.8% to 38.1%. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure had decreased from 16.2 mmHg to an average of 12.1 mmHg. Swan-Ganz catheterization was performed on 120 patients 6 months postoperatively. The pulmonary wedge pressure had reduced significantly from 18.1 mmHg to a mean of 12.7 mmHg (p < 0.01). From 1990 until the end of March 1992, 55 patients with CAD and predominant heart failure received transplants. Their 2-year survival rate was 66.3%. Mean LVEF was 55.6% postoperatively. We conclude that CABG is adequate for patients who have end-stage CAD and angina pectoris symptoms, and that it significantly improves hemodynamic functions. Patients suffering predominantly from heart failure (NYHA Class IV) can be transplanted and subsequently regain normal heart function. (J Card Surg 1994;9:77–84)     

The impact of symptom severity on cardiac reoperative risk: early referral and reoperation is warranted.

BACKGROUND: Operative mortality is comparatively higher for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve reoperations. Studies of reoperative risk have focussed on surgical techniques. We sought to determine the risk and predictors of poor outcome in current practice, and the influence of preoperative symptoms. METHOD: For every redo patient (n=289), we selected the best-matched pair of patients who underwent a primary operation (n=578) between 1998 and 2006. Matching variables were age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and type of operation. Poor outcome was defined as operative mortality or major morbidity. RESULT: Median age was 68 (interquartile range 62-73) years and 28% were female for both groups. Severe symptoms and cardiac morbidity dominated the presentation of redo patients. CABG (53%), valve repair/replacement (34%) and combined CABG and valve (12%) were performed with overall operative mortality of 6.6% (median additive EuroScore 7.0) for redo versus 1.6% (median additive EuroScore 4.0) for primary groups (p<.0001). Whereas no significant difference was observed between primary (1.6%) and redo CABG (3.9%, p=.19), valve reoperations had higher operative mortality (9.6% vs 1.5%, p<.0001). Major complications occurred more frequently after redo valve compared to primary valve operations (28% vs 14%, p=.001). Reoperation (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-2.42, p=.48) was not a predictor of major adverse event after CABG or valve surgery. Determinants of poor outcome after valve reoperations were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR 6.86, 95% CI 2.29-12.11, p=.03), duration of extracorporeal circulation (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.35, p=.03) and mitral valve replacement (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.83-36.01, p=.04). The predictors of major adverse events after redo CABG were congestive heart failure (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.04-8.98, p=.006) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 17.5, 95% CI 1.87-35.21, p=.05) and interval from prior surgery (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.92, p=.01). CONCLUSION: In the current era, redo CABG is nearly as safe as the primary operation. A valve reoperation, on the contrary, is higher risk due, partly, to severe symptoms at presentation. Patients should be referred and operated on early before they develop severe symptoms.     

Feasibility and safety of autologous myoblast transplantation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

Successful autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation into infarcted myocardium in a variety of animal models has demonstrated improvement in cardiac function. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of transplanting autologous myoblasts into infarcted myocardium of patients undergoing concurrent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD). In addition, we sought to gain preliminary information on graft survival and any potential improvement of cardiac function. Eighteen patients with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy participated in a phase I, nonrandomized, multicenter pilot study of autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation concurrent with CABG or LVAD implantation. Twelve patients with a history of previous myocardial infarction (MI) and a left ventricular ejection of less than 30% were enrolled in the CABG arm. In a second arm, six patients underwent LVAD implantation as a bridge to heart transplantation and were required to donate their heart for testing at the time of heart transplant. Myoblasts were successfully transplanted in all patients without any acute injection-related complications or significant long-term unexpected adverse events. Follow-up PET scans showed new areas of viability within the infarct scar in CABG patients. Echocardiography measured an average improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 25% to 34%. Histological evaluation in four out of five patients who underwent heart transplantation documented survival and engraftment of the skeletal myoblasts within the infarcted myocardium. These interim results demonstrate survival, feasibility, and safety of autologous myoblast transplantation and suggest that this modality may offer a potential therapeutic treatment for end-stage heart disease.     

Positive family history of coronary atherosclerosis and serum triglycerides may predict repeated coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk factor profile of patients in need of repeated coronary artery bypass surgery (redo CABG) seldom differ from patients having only single coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of positive family history for coronary artery disease in respect to redo CABG vs CABG in a case-control setting. DESIGN: One hundred and eighty four patients undergoing redo CABG between 1990-1998 were identified from the computed registry of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Tampere University Hospital. One hundred and eighty four age, gender and operation date matched patients with CABG were selected for control. RESULTS: According to chi-square analysis, positive family history for coronary artery disease was more common in Study group, 60.4% versus 49.5% (p<0.05). Preoperative systolic blood pressure was 135.5+/-1.4 mmHg versus 133.5+/-1.5 mmHg (ns), preoperative diastolic blood pressure was 81.2+/-0.8 mmHg versus 82.8+/-0.9 mmHg (ns), serum total cholesterol was 5.8+/-0.1 mmol/L versus 6.6+/-1.2 mmol/L and preoperative blood glucose was 5.6+/-0.2 mmol/L versus 5.3+/-0.2 mmol/L (ns) in Controls and Study group, respectively. However, serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in Study group 2.8+/-0.2 mmol/L versus 2.0+/-0.1 mmol/L (p<0.000). In regression analysis, only positive family history (OR=2.4; 95% CI=1.1-5.1; p<0,02) and high serum triglyceride level (>or=2 mmol/L, OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.2-2.2; p<0,02) were independent predictors for redo CABG. CONCLUSION: According to this study, positive family history for coronary atherosclerosis at the presence of high serum triglyceride level is significantly predicting the need for future redo CABG as compared with age, gender and operation time matched controls of CABG.     

MIDCAB for redo patients using the LITA-RA composite graft

Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with higher mortality, low-output syndrome, perioperative myocardial infarction than primary CABG. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) technique avoids the manipulation of old graft and injury of the adhesive heart in redo operation. We performed the MIDCAB procedure for 2 redo cases using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA)-radial artery (RA) composite graft. The LITA-RA composite graft was anastomosed to the left anterior descending branch (LAD) through small left anterior thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative coronary artery graphy shows the widely patent of new graft. The MIDCAB procedure using the LITA-RA composite graft is safe and useful to regulate the bypass graft length and avoid the widely harvest of LITA in redo operation.     

Heartmate II Implantation with Right Coronary Bypass Grafting in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy with "Fixed" Pulmonary Hypertension: Treatment Strategy to Protect Right Ventricular Function

Abstract   A 49-year-old male patient suffering from end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction below 15% was presented to redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Coronary angiogram demonstrated an occluded left anterior descending artery and occluded right coronary artery, perfused retrogradely from the circumflex artery. Since positron emission tomography did not demonstrate viable left ventricular myocardium except for the basis of the left ventricle, CABG was considered futile. Cardiac transplantation was contra-indicated due to pharmacologically unresponsive pulmonary artery hypertension. The patient successfully underwent left ventricular assist device implantation in combination with right coronary artery revascularization. The article reflects the regimen of right ventricular preservation in this patient. (J Card Surg 2010;25:116-119)     

Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery with Right Gastroepiploic Artery for Redo Patients

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been widely performed for coronary artery disease. Therefore, cases requiring reoperative CABG are increasing. We performed a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure on four patients, as reoperative CABG surgery for the right coronary artery (RCA), employing the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA). The target sites were the distal RCA in two patients and the posterior descending (PD) branch in the other two. Complete revascularization was accomplished in all patients without sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), or blood transfusion. The mean operative time was 3.0 h (range: 2.4–3.7 h). Postoperative coronary angiography showed all grafts to be patent. All patients were discharged without postoperative complications and remained free from cardiac events during a mean follow-up period of 1.5 years (range: 0.5–3.0 years). MIDCAB for the RCA, employing the RGEA via a subxiphoid incision showed, excellent revascularization in redo CABG cases. This technique is a safe and effective method for redo cases.     

Sternal re-entry using the retractor for harvesting internal thoracic artery

The number of redo cardiac operations, especially coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), has recently been increasing mainly due to the failure of saphenous vein grafts. Re-opening a median sternotomy is troublesome, because of possible adhesion of the heart to the sternum. Preoperative computed tomography is quite useful and helpful in determining the degree of the adhesion of the heart and ascending aorta to the back of the sternum. We report here a safe and useful technique for sternal re-entry using a retractor for harvesting the internal thoracic artery (ITA). When re-opening a median sternotomy the incision is made to the sternal wires; the wires are then cut and removed. Small rake retractors, which are connected to the ITA retractor, are hooked to both ends of the left side of the sternum. The ITA retractor is gently wound up to lift up the sternum. An oscillating saw is then applied to divide the anterior table of the sternum. When the posterior table of the sternum is carefully divided, the left side of the sternum is automatically elevated slightly. Complete division of the sternum can be confirmed by this slight elevation. If the left side of the sternum is elevated a little bit more by the ITA retractor, the dissection of the adhesion between the sternum and the heart can be performed without assistance. This technique is most beneficial for a case of redo CABG with the use of the left ITA, but it can be applied in any patients who previously underwent median sternotomy.