Coronary artery bypass surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass

In the years 1994 and 1995, 1087 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution. Of these, 297 were operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass. 239 were male, and 58 were female. Their ages ranged from 28 to 81 years (54.43 ± 9.63). Of the total, 294 were operated on electively, two as a coronary reoperations, and one as an emergency after a failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedure. In all patients complete revascularization was the aim, and a cardiopulmonary bypass team was kept on standby. Median sternotomy was performed as the exposure in all patients, except a patient who underwent a coronary reoperation through a left thoracotomy incision. The average of the distal anastomoses was 1.51 ± 0.6, ranging from 1 to 3. The left internal thoracic artery was used in 292 operations, which was an individual graft in 284, a sequential graft in five, and a free graft in four. Major complications in the early postoperative period were noted in three patients as reoperation for excessive bleeding. One patient had reoperation for left internal thoracic artery spasm, and one patient had lower extremity ischemia caused by intraoartic balloon counterpulsation. Hospital mortality was 0.3% with one patient. It is our belief that in selected cases coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe procedure with the advantage of improvement in recovery during the postoperative period.     

Multivessel sequential bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass

Background Multivessel sequential coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass has become a reality. Initially the revascularization of posterior coronary arteries (obtuse marginal branches of the circumflex artery) was difficult due to access and difficulty in stabilization of the heart as well as compromising the haemodynamic status of the heart. With stabilization of the heart with Octopus II (Medtronic, Inc. Minnesota, USA) we have demonstrated that sequential grafts as well as composite arterial grafts can easily and safely be used in complete arterial revascularization of the myocardium. Methods From January 1, 1996 till December 31, 1999, 832 consecutive patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. From July 1998, seventy-nine patients operated had atleast 1 conduit used as a sequential graft and 12 patients had composite ‘Y’ grafts. Before July 1999, 67 patients (61 sequential and 6 ‘Y’ conduits) underwent surgery without mechanical stabilization (Group A) and after July 1999 in 24 patients (18 sequential and 6 ‘Y’ conduits) mechanical stabilization (Octopus II) was used. Results Total number of sequential anastomosis including composite grafts was not significantly different in both groups. But due to Octopus II stabilization, number of anastomosis in composite ‘Y’ graft group significantly increased from 2.96 ±0.2 to 4.02 ±0.3. Also intramyocardial coronary artery revascularization which was only 10.4% in Group A increased to 20.8% in Group B. In Group A only 8.9% composite grafts were performed while in Group B it was 25% which was statistically significant. Conclusions Cardiac stabilization with Octopus II has improved ability for revascularization of remote coronary arteries arising from circumflex. Although overall anastomoses have not increased, the number of patients receiving composite grafts using all arterial conduits have increased significantly. Patency rates of all sequential conduits as well as composite grafts have remained equally good in both groups.     

Coronary artery bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass.

The purpose of this article is twofold: to describe our technique for performing coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass (off pump) and to demonstrate that this operation is safe, in terms of mortality and certain indices of morbidity. Very little has been published in regard to off-bypass operations. From 1985 through 1990, 220 patients underwent operation off bypass; 220 on-pump controls were retrospectively matched for number of grafts, left ventricular function, and date of operation. Groups were compared in terms of mortality and ten indicators of morbidity. The same analysis was performed for ten subgroups. We found no statistically significant difference between groups in mortality (off pump, 1.4% [3/220]; on pump, 2.4% [5/220]), which held across all subgroups. Patients undergoing operation off pump required blood far less often (not transfused: off pump, 72.7% [160/220]; on pump, 54.6% [116/220]; p = 0.005 by Fisher's exact test), and the low output state occurred statistically less frequently off pump (off pump, 5.5% [12/220]; on-pump, 12.7% [28/220]; p = 0.01 by Fisher's exact test). Further research should be directed to which subgroups can be operated on to advantage off pump and which, if any, groups of patients should be confined to on-bypass operations.     

Aortocoronary bypass without extracorporeal circulation: why and when?

Thirty patients have been operated on since July 1986. The mean age was 55 years (range 32-68). Twenty-three simple and 7 double bypasses were performed. The internal mammary artery and 1 prosthetic conduit were used for the 29 left anterior descending (LAD) anastomoses and saphenous vein for the others [5 right coronary artery (RCA), 3 diagonal]. The use of an implantable Doppler probe for continuous monitoring during the 1st postoperative week confirmed patency and gave an estimated flow (mean: 79.23 ml/min, range 43.4). There were no deaths and no cases of infarction or ischaemia, but stress test performance improved. The main advantage of this rapid and safe technique was avoidance of morbidity of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and limited operative myocardial ischaemia. Criteria of selection were unstable, permanent angina (14); unsuccessful PTCA (8) PTCA and failure (5 emergency cases), redo surgery (4); poor LV function (EF less than 20%) (3); fibrinolytic treatment or severe coagulopathy (2). The ideal patient has severe stenosis with or without retrograde filling of LAD with either RCA or circumflex (which require a lateral thoracotomy).     

Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass

Between October 1995 and Feburary 1997, 2 men and 4 women aged 53 to 75 years (mean, 66.3) underwent reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass. Isolated reoperative circumflex or intermediate artery bypass was performed through a left thoracotomy (n=2), reoperative bypass to the left anterior descending coronary aretery was performed through a median sternotomy (n=3), and bypass to the right coronary artery was performed through an upper median laparotomy (n=1). Single coronary bypass grafting utilizing arterial grafts (left internal thoracic artery: 3, right gastroepiploic artery: 3) was performed in all cases. There were no operative deaths. All cases required neither cathecolamine nor intraaortic balloon pumping). Peri/post operative blood transfusion was necessary in only one case. Postoperative coronary angiography revealed that the 6 arterial grafts were patent. Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass can be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality, easy postoperative management, satisfactory graft patency, and good symptomatic improvement.     

Bidirectional Glenn shunt without cardiopulmonary bypass

From April 2002 to March 2005, 18 patients having undergone bidirectional Glenn shunt (BDG) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) [off-pump BDG] were retrospectively reviewed. During BDG anastomosis, a temporary bypass was established between superior vena cava (15) or innominate vein (3) and main pulmonary artery (16) or right atrium (2). Hemodynamics and oxygenation were maintained well throughout the temporary bypass time. There was no emergent use of CPB. Mean transpulmonary pressure gradient immediately after and 24 hours after the BDG were 6.7 and 5.6 mmHg, respectively. Echocardiography showed mild flow turbulence at the anastomosis in 1 case. This simple and inexpensive technique provided good surgical view with stable hemodynamics enabling satisfactory BDG in selected cases. Furthermore, it could avoid adverse effects of CPB such as lung injury and possible blood transfusion. This experience would encourage off-pump BDG combined with more challenging procedures.     

Bidirectional Glenn procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND: Whether the bidirectional Glenn procedure is better performed without the support of cardiopulmonary bypass is still a matter for debate. In this paper we discuss the indications and methods for bidirectional Glenn shunt without cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Twenty patients with complex cyanotic congenital heart defects underwent a bidirectional Glenn shunt without cardiopulmonary bypass between May 2000 and August 2002. There were 10 male and 10 female patients, the mean age was 2.7 +/- 2.6 years (range, 3 months to 11 years), and the mean weight was 11.0 +/- 6.0 kg (range, 4.5 to 32 kg). The mean transcutaneous oxygen saturation was 74.3% +/- 5.7% before the operation. The Glenn shunt was performed under venoatrial or venopulmonary shunt. RESULTS: All patients survived. Mean superior vena cava clamping time was 24.3 +/- 4.7 minutes, and mean vena cava pressure was 26.9 +/- 5.5 mm Hg during clamping. There were no postoperative neurologic complications. Follow-up echocardiography showed functioning Glenn shunts without any obstruction at the anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass could be eliminated by this method. This is an advantage during the postoperative recovery, but patients should be strictly chosen.     

Surgical myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND: Though coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass is being performed with increasing frequency, in the absence of adequate angiographic follow-up, safety, reproducibility, and efficacy of the procedure remain doubtful. In this prospective study, we report the results obtained by 100% angiographic follow-up of 96 consecutive patients. METHODS: A total of 96 patients (age range 33 to 76 years) underwent CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass. Single vessel disease was present in 46 (47.9%) patients, double vessel disease in 31 (32.3%), and triple vessel disease in 19 (19.8%) patients. All patients were operated through a standard midsternotomy and an optimal combination of pharmacological and mechanical methods were used to restrict cardiac movements during anastomosis. All patients underwent coronary angiography before discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 160 grafts were placed (range 1 to 4 grafts per patient, average 1.7+/-0.3 grafts per patient). A single graft was placed in 46 patients, double grafts in 38, triple grafts in 10, and quadruple grafts in 2 patients. Various grafts included pedicled left internal mammary artery (LIMA) (n = 95), free LIMA (n = 1), right internal mammary artery (n = 14), radial artery (n = 24), right gastroepiploic artery (n = 5), and saphenous vein grafts (n = 21). Operative mortality was 1.0% (1 of 96). Two patients required reoperation for excessive bleeding. Mean hospital stay was 5.7+/-1.2 days. Overall angiographic patency was 95.0% with LIMA patency of 97.9% (93 of 95). One patient with block in midsegment of LIMA was reoperated using cardiopulmonary bypass. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 17 months (mean 8.2+/-3.1 months). Two patients (one with narrowed LIMA to left anterior descending artery anastomosis, and one with patent anastomosis) had residual angina. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass is a reproducible, effective, and safe option in selected group of patients. A conscientious approach in patient selection and route of operation is required.     

非体外循环下行双向格林手术(附58例报道)

目的　总结非体外循环下行双向格林手术的体会。方法　 2 0 0 0年 5月至 2 0 0 1年 9月 ,在非体外循环下行双向格林手术 5 8例。年龄 (3 5 4± 1 5 9)岁 ,体重 (13 6± 4 0 )kg。上腔静脉与右心耳插管临时转流 ,自上腔静脉入右房处横断上腔静脉 ,缝闭近心端 ,应用可吸收线端侧吻合远心端与右肺动脉 ,前壁用自体心包片加宽。结果　全组无手术死亡 ,术后并发乳糜胸 4例 ,一过性昏迷 1例。腔静脉阻断 (48± 15 )min ,术前氧饱和度 0 75± 0 0 9,肺动脉压 (12 8± 2 3)mmHg(1mmHg=0 133kPa) ;术毕氧饱和度 0 93± 0 0 5 ,肺动脉压 (16 5± 2 9)mmHg,胸腔及心包引流液 (145± 10 3)ml,呼吸机辅助 (13± 7)h ,住院 (10± 5 )d。结论　非体外循环下行双向格林手术是一种安全、可靠的术式。对于难以解剖根治或一期生理矫治的肺血少的复杂先天性心脏病 ,该术式是一种良好的手术方法。     

Extracardiac Fontan operation without cardiopulmonary bypass

AIM: The avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping in patients possessing single ventricular physiology has potential advantages including preservation of ventricular and pulmonary functions; early extubation, decreased incidence of pleural effusions and decreased requirement of inotropic agents and blood products. In this study, we assessed the postoperative outcome of patients who have undergone extracardiac Fontan operation performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Between March 1999 and August 2002, 10 consecutive patients (6 males and 4 females) underwent extracardiac Fontan operation without cardiopulmonary bypass. The age of patients ranged between 1.5 to 12 (5.2+/-3.1) years. All the patients requiring any intracardiac intervention were excluded from the study. Previous operations of the patients were modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure in 3 patients, bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt operation in 2 patients and pulmonary arterial banding in 1 patient. All operations were performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. Bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis was performed by using a transient external shunt constructed between the superior vena cava and right atrium. An appropriate sized tube graft was anastomosed to the inferior surface of right pulmonary artery. Finally, inferior vena cava to tube grafts anastomosis was performed with the aid of another external shunt constructed between inferior vena cava and right atrium. During the procedure central venous pressure, blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation levels were continuously monitored and recorded. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative Fontan pressure was 16.1+/-2.75 mmHg. Intraoperative fenestration was required in 4 patients with a Fontan pressure above 18 mmHg. There were no intra and postoperative deaths. Three patients required mild doses of inotropic support during the postoperative period. All patients were weaned off mechanical ventilation within 24 h. The mean arterial oxygen saturation raised from 74.5+/-4.2% to 93.5+/-2%. Arterial oxygen saturation was 95+/-0.6% in 6 patients without fenestration and 91.2+/-0.5% in 4 patients with fenestration (P=0.001). All patients were in sinus rhythm postoperatively. Only 2 patients required blood transfusion. Two patients suffered from prolonged pleural effusion (more than 7 days). The mean intensive care unit and hospital stay periods were 3.3+/-1.5 and 15.4+/-5.3 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The extracardiac Fontan operation performed without cardiopulmonary bypass provides good results in short and midterm follow-up periods with improved postoperative hemodynamics.     

Aortocoronary bypass in progressive stenocardia

The authors evaluate the efficacy of aortocoronary shunting in the treatment of 10 patients with progressive angina pectoris (unstable stenocardia) in follow-up periods of up to 12 months after the operation. In none of the patients did angina pectoris or myocardial infarction develop in the indicated postoperative periods.     

Endarterectomy and surgical angioplasty without cardiopulmonary bypass

Surgical angioplasty for ostial stenosis of the major coronary arteries is a well-established treatment modality. Management of discrete stenoses of distal coronary arteries in the presence of mild proximal disease is a challenging task. Percutaneous intervention or grafting beyond the diseased segment may be limited by size of the target vessel, whereas endarterectomy followed by graft placement may result in graft occlusion due to competitive native flow. Patch angioplasty with or without endarterectomy is an effective option in this setting, which can be performed without cardiopulmonary bypass in the appropriate group of patients. A patient with triple vessel coronary artery disease and a discrete lesion in the posterior descending artery underwent off-pump endarterectomy with vein patch angioplasty in combination with bypass grafting to left anterior descending and obtuse marginal arteries. Operative technique and intraoperative strategies are discussed.     

Bilateral coronary-pulmonary artery fistulae without cardiopulmonary bypass

A 68-year-old female with heart failure was admitted on the probable diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus. Coronary arteriography revealed the coronary-pulmonary artery fistulae which originated the bilateral coronary arteries. Excision of coronary artery fistulae was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. The symptom of heart failure has been improved for postoperative 6 years. Coronary pulmonary artery fistula is commonly a meanders long and flowing into the pulmonary artery as one influx artery. We presume the surgical intervention without cardiopulmonary bypass would be adopted for the treatment of this type. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MD CT) is useful in verification to detect the perioperative fistulae.     

Total arterial myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass

The risks associated with cardiopulmonary bypass have led to an interest in coronary surgery without the use of such a bypass. Six patients of mean (s.d.) age 62.0(8.0) (range 52–71) years were selected for elective coronary surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. In five cases a midline sternotomy and in one case a small anterolateral thoracotomy were performed; in the latter case the harvesting of the proximal end of the left internal mammary artery was video-assisted by thoracoscopy. The left internal mammary artery was used in all cases; the right internal mammary artery was used in one case, the radial artery in four, the inferior epigastric artery in two and the right gastroepiploic artery in one. No patient died or had a stroke. There were no postoperative episodes of low cardiac output syndrome or perioperative myocardial infarction. All patients were extubated within a few hours after surgery. The mean(s.d.) intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1.3(0.5) and 5.0(0.9) days, respectively. Total arterial myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass using composite grafts, is a new and promising technique that is feasible with low risks and good early results in selected cases. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.