Perioperative myocardial infarction in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Two patients in whom myocardial infarction in the inferior wall occurred after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafing (OPCAB) are described. In both patients, the right coronary artery had no critical lesion and was not grafted. There was no ischemic episode during operation. Coronary artery spasms and/or intracoronary thrombus formation may have been causes of these events. To our knowledge, this is the first report on perioperative myocardial infarction in OPCAB.     

丙泊酚与异氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术患者心肌保护作用的比较:meta分析

目的 采用meta分析法比较丙泊酚与异氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术患者心肌的保护作用.方法 通过电子数据库检索比较丙泊酚与异氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术患者心肌保护作用的随机对照试验.由2位评价员独立检索、提取资料:患者一般情况,术前用药情况,麻醉诱导和维持时使用的麻醉药,术前和术后6、12、24、48 h时心肌肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(cTnI)浓度,术中正性肌力药物使用情况,术后24 h内心肌梗死发生情况.采用Cochrane协作网提供的Review Manager 5.0.2软件进行meta分析.结果 共16项研究符合纳入标准,共794例患者,其中丙泊酚组405例,异氟醚组389例.2组患者术后血浆cTnI浓度、术后24 h内心肌梗死发生率和术中正性肌力药使用率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 丙泊酚与异氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术患者的心肌保护作用无差异.     

依达拉奉对非体外循环冠脉搭桥术患者心肌损伤的影响

目的 评价依达拉奉对非体外循环冠脉搭桥术患者心肌的保护作用.方法 择期非体外循环下冠脉搭桥术患者40例,ASA分级Ⅲ或Ⅳ级,NYHA心功能Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,年龄45～64岁,体重55～95 kg,性别不限.采用随机数字表法,分为试验组(E组,n=20)和对照组(C组,n=20).在麻醉诱导后,E组静脉输注依达拉奉60 mg,给药时间30 min,C组给予等容量生理盐水.于术前(T1)、切皮后1 h(T2)、术毕(T3)和术后24 h(T4)分别取静脉血标本,测定血清心肌酶及肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(cTnI)水平.记录患者术后呼吸机治疗时间、ICU停留时间及住院时间.结果 与C组比较,E组血清肌酸激酶、肌酸激酶同工酶及乳酸脱氢酶的活性和cTnI浓度,T1时差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);T3,4时均明显升高(P＜0.05);与T1时比较,T3,4时两组以上指标均明显升高(P＜0.05).术后呼吸机治疗时间、ICU停留时间及住院时间E组较C组明显缩短(P＜ 0.05或0.01).结论 非体外循环下冠脉搭桥术开始前静脉输注依达拉奉60 mg,可产生有效的心肌保护作用.     

非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术的心肌保护

目的　比较非体外循环心脏跳动下冠状动脉旁路移植术 (OPCAB)与常规体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术 (CABG)的心肌保护效果。方法　将 70例冠状动脉粥样硬化病人分成 2组 ,行非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术组 (非体外循环组 35例 ) ,间断冷氧合血心脏停搏液冠状动脉旁路移植术组 (冷血停跳组 35例 )。 2组病人术前心功能、年龄、性别、体质量差异无统计学意义 ;各组于围术期不同时点分别抽血测定肌酸激酶同工酶 (CK MB)、心肌肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)。关胸前每组各随机取 2例病人心尖区心肌 ,行心肌超微结构观察。结果　非体外循环组术中、术后各时间点CK MB、cTnT与冷血停跳组比较差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ) ;非体外循环组心肌超微结构表明心肌保护效果明显优于后者。结论　非体外循环组心肌保护效果优于冷血停跳组。与CK MB相比 ,cTnT是评价心肌损害的更特异、更敏感的指标。     

Perioperative myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing sternectomy shortly after coronary artery bypass grafting

Coronary revascularization reduces cardiac complications associated with noncardiac surgery in patients with severe coronary disease. However, patients undergoing emergency noncardiac surgery soon after coronary bypass operations may still be vulnerable to ischemic myocardial events. We prospectively evaluated the incidence of myocardial ischemia in 82 consecutive patents scheduled for sternectomy in the first (Group 1; 35 patients) or second (Group 2; 47 patients) week after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The interval between CABG surgery and sternectomy in Groups 1 and 2 was 6 days (range, 4-7 days) and 11 days (range, 8-14 days), respectively. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes consistent with myocardial ischemia were assessed with a two-channel Holter system for 48 h. There were no between-group differences in updated Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score, use of beta-blockers, or perioperative hemodynamic changes. The incidence of ECG changes consistent with myocardial ischemia was fivefold more frequent in Group 1 (22.85% versus 4.25%; P < 0.05). Of the ischemic patients in Group 1, 25% experienced a perioperative acute myocardial infarction (one was fatal). There were no infarcts in Group 2. Thus, patients appear to be prone to coronary events during sternectomy performed early after CABG surgery. Although the incidence of ischemia did not differ from that previously reported after CABG surgery alone, further investigation is required to determine whether the findings obtained in this high-risk population are generalizable to patients undergoing noncardiac surgery soon after uneventful CABG surgery. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates an increased incidence of myocardial ischemia when sternectomy for mediastinitis is performed within one week of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and this ischemia is associated with a 25% incidence of myocardial infarction.     

The insulin cardioplegia trial: myocardial protection for urgent coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: Small, nonrandomized clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of solutions containing insulin and glucose on the recovery of myocardial metabolism and ventricular function after cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion. However, no large, blinded, randomized study has yet determined the effects of insulin-enhanced cardioplegia on clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The Insulin Cardioplegia Trial was designed to evaluate the clinical impact of insulin-enhanced cardioplegia on patients at high risk undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for unstable angina. A total of 1127 patients were randomly assigned at operation to receive cardioplegic solution supplemented with 10 IU/L insulin (n = 557) or placebo (n = 570). All personnel with direct patient contact were blinded to randomization group. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 2.2%, with no significant differences between groups. The prevalences of postoperative low output syndrome (insulin 10.4%, placebo 9.7%, P =.7) and enzymatic myocardial infarction (insulin 21.0%, placebo 18.8%, P =.3) were not different between groups. The primary composite outcome of low output syndrome and/or enzymatic myocardial infarction revealed no difference between groups (insulin 30.0%, placebo 26.3%, P =.2). CONCLUSIONS: Despite encouraging results from smaller, nonrandomized studies, the Insulin Cardioplegia Trial failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit of insulin-enhanced cardioplegic solution for patients undergoing high-risk isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.     

体外循环旁路洗入七氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术患者心肌损伤的影响

目的 评价体外循环(CPB)旁路洗入七氟醚对冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)患者心肌损伤的影响.方法 择期CPB下行CABG的患者40例,年龄50 ～ 64岁,体重53～90 kg,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=20):对照组(C组)和七氟醚组(S组).S组于CPB开始即刻通过体外循环机洗入1.0％ ～2.0％七氟醚,持续到CPB结束,C组不给予七氟醚.于麻醉诱导后5 min(T0)、术后6 h(T1)、12 h(T2)及24 h(T3)时采集血样,测定血浆心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)浓度和磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性.于主动脉阻断前和CPB结束时取右心耳组织,电镜下观察心肌超微结构,并行心肌细胞线粒体损伤评分.结果 与C组比较,S组T2和T3时血浆cTnI浓度,CPB结束时心肌细胞线粒体损伤评分降低(P＜0.05),血浆CK-MB活性差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).S组心肌病理学损伤较C组减轻.结论 CPB旁路洗入七氟醚可减轻CABG术患者的心肌损伤.     

Extended duration of brachially inserted intra-aortic balloon pump for myocardial protection in two patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass grafting

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) provides myocardial protection for patients who are at risk of myocardial injury during cardiac surgery. The haemodynamic support is crucial in patients with significant and critical coronary artery disease undergoing revascularisation procedures. Traditionally, the femoral arterial access is the preferred route for IABP insertion. This is, however, not always feasible especially in patients with concomitant occlusive peripheral vascular disease. The trans-brachial route can be used as an alternative for percutaneous insertion of the IABP. We report the technique for left trans-brachial insertion of an IABP, and illustrate our experience with two patients requiring urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and for whom the IABP duration was over 50 h.     

Subclavian artery reconstruction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

The presence of occlusive disease of the subclavian artery (SCA) proximal to the origin of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) influences the operative strategy and the outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Of 780 patients who underwent CABG, concomitant SCA occlusive lesions were reconstructed in 13 patients (nine males, four females). The affected SCAs were left-sided in 11 patients, and right-sided and bilateral in one, each. An aortoaxillary bypass utilizing an 8-mm PTFE graft was constructed in nine patients and a carotid-subclavian (C-S) transposition in two, simultaneously with CABG. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty with a stent was performed in two patients prior to CABG. With follow-up periods ranging from 4 to 8.4 years (mean, 6.3 years), aortoaxillary bypass grafts were patent in all patients. Other reconstructive procedures, including a C-S transposition and balloon angioplasty, were performed safely and effectively in off-pump CABG patients. In six patients, the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) could be used as a graft to the coronary artery after SCA reconstruction. Aortoaxillary bypass using an 8-mm PTFE graft is a safe and effective way for simultaneous subclavian reconstruction in patients undergoing CABG. Mid-term patency of the graft is satisfactory. The LITA can be used as a graft to the coronary arteries in selected patients. Preoperative brachial angiography is mandatory in these patients.     

甲氧明对心肺转流冠状动脉搭桥后老年低血压患者冠脉血流的影响

目的探讨静脉泵注甲氧明和去氧肾上腺素对老年冠状动脉搭桥术患者心肺转流停机经容量治疗后仍低血压的疗效及对冠脉血流的影响。方法择期行冠状动脉搭桥心肺转流停机经容量治疗后低血压(MAP低于基础血压的70%)的老年患者40例,男27例,女13例,年龄65岁,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,随机分为甲氧明组(M组)和去氧肾上腺素组(P组),每组20例。患者出现低血压后开始静脉泵药,M组起始速度为3μg·kg~(-1)·min~(-1),P组起始速度为0.24μg·kg~(-1)·min~(-1),根据患者血压调整泵药速度,单次递增、递减速度均为起始的1/3,使MAP波动幅度不超过基础值的20%。分别在泵药前、泵药后3、5、10、15、30 min经食管超声心动图(TEE)测量冠脉窦收缩期血流速度时间积分(SVTI)和舒张期血流速度时间积分(DVTI),并计算冠脉窦血流量(CSBF)。结果 P组1例患者因未能获得理想TEE切面而退出研究。与泵药前比较,泵药后不同时点M组和P组SVTI、DVTI、CSBF明显升高(P0.01)。与P组比较,泵药后5、10、15、30min M组DVTI和CSBF明显升高(P0.05或P0.01)。M组术后发生心房颤动2例,频发室性早搏1例;P组术后发生心动过缓1例,频发室性早搏1例。结论静脉泵注甲氧明和去氧肾上腺素均可纠正老年冠状动脉搭桥患者心肺转流后低血压状态,但甲氧明增加冠脉血流量更明显,可能对冠心病患者更有利。     

七氟醚后处理对体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术病人心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨七氟醚后处理对体外循环(CPB)下冠状动脉旁路移植术病人心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 择期行冠状动脉旁路移植术病人40例,性别不限,年龄55～64岁,BMI＜30 kg/m2,NYHA心功能分级Ⅰ～Ⅲ级,随机分为2组(n=20):对照组(C组)和七氟醚后处理组(S组).S组于主动脉开放即刻通过体外循环机吸入2%七氟醚,持续15 min,C组不给予任何处理.分别于麻醉诱导后、CPB转流前、停机后10 min、术毕、术后6和24 h时,记录MAP、HR、CVP、平均肺动脉压、肺动脉楔压、CO和S(v)O2,计算CI、SVI、体循环血管阻力指数和肺循环血管阻力指数.分别于主动脉阻断前、复灌6 h和术后24 h时,中心静脉取血样,测定血浆肌酸激酶(CK)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的活性以及肌钙蛋白I(TnI)浓度.分别于主动脉阻断前和CPB停机时,取右心耳心肌组织,观察心肌细胞超微结构,并对心肌细胞损伤程度进行评分.结果 两组间各时点血液动力学和心功能指标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与C组比较,S组复灌6 h时血浆CK-MB和LDH活性降低,术后24 h时血浆CK活性和TnI浓度降低,CPB停机后心肌细胞损伤程度评分降低(P＜0.05).结论 七氟醚后处理可减轻CPB下冠状动脉旁路移植术病人心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

非体外循环下冠脉搭桥术的围术期管理

目的：比较非体外循环搭桥术与体外循环搭桥术病人的术中及术后早期恢复情况。方法39例病人接受了非体外循环下冠脉搭桥术,同时期33例病人接受了体外循环冠脉搭桥术。两组均采用中等剂量阿片静脉复合全麻,结果：病人的麻醉时间、手术时间、术后机械通气时间和在监护室的停留时间,非体外循环组明显短于体外循环组（P＜0．01）。围术期平均输血量和血血病人数在1支桥病人中非体外循环组明显少于体外循环组（P＜0．05）。术后房颤发生率和围术期心肌梗死发生率两组间无明显差异,术后脑卒中,低心排及死亡的发生率各组均为0％。结论与外循环搭桥术相比,非体外循环搭桥术缩短了病人的麻醉、手术及在监护室停留时间,加快了病人的恢复、从耐而提高了手术的安全性,并降低了手术费用。     

Perioperative melatonin secretion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Melatonin, a neurohormone, plays an important role in adjusting the "biological clock" in humans. We sought to describe perioperative patterns of melatonin secretion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). After IRB approval and written informed consent, 12 male patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting under hypothermic CPB were enrolled in the study. During anesthesia, patients' eyes were carefully covered to prevent light effects. Blood samples were taken at specific time points during surgery, every 3 h in the immediate postoperative period, and for 24 h from 6:00 PM of Postoperative Day 2 until 6:00 PM of Postoperative Day 3. Plasma melatonin and cortisol concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. During surgery, plasma melatonin concentrations were below the minimum sensitivity concentration, yet small concentrations, without circadian variation, were detected during the immediate postoperative period. During Postoperative Days 2 and 3, circadian secretion patterns of melatonin were present in 10 patients and showed an inverse correlation with light intensity (r = 0.480; P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol concentrations in the immediate postoperative period were significantly larger than those before the induction of anesthesia (P < 0.01). Only three patients regained circadian secretion of cortisol. We concluded that melatonin and cortisol secretion was disrupted during cardiac surgery with CPB and in the immediate postoperative period. However, circadian rhythms of melatonin were present in most patients from Postoperative Day 2. Only 30% of the patients regained circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. IMPLICATIONS: Melatonin is a hormone that plays an important role in adjusting the biological clock in humans and that regulates secretion of various other hormones. We studied melatonin secretion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Melatonin secretion was disturbed during and immediately after surgery but had recovered a circadian rhythm 24 h later, raising the question of whether melatonin should be supplemented before cardiac surgery.     

Graft selection in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Purpose  

This study aimed to assess the clinical and angiographic outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in elderly patients (≥75 years).     

Autologous platelet sequestration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES: Blood conservation remains an important issue for patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Platelet sequestration (PSQ) is an aggressive autologous blood conservation method, whose effectiveness is still debated. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate whether PSQ reduces postoperative blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to determine if PSQ is a cost-effective blood conservation method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All adult patients admitted for CABG entered the study. Exclusion criteria were: recent blood transfusion (<7 days), a platelet count of 150x10(3)/microl or less, hematocrit less than 35% and body weight 50 kg or less. The sequestration was aim 20% or more of the total platelet plasma volume. The sequestration protocol was three sequestration cycles performed just prior to surgery. The concentrated platelet portion was reinfused after weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass. Hundred seven parameters/patients were recorded. Sixty patients entered the study; 30 in the PSQ group and 30 controls (CTR). RESULTS: Patient characteristics, operation data, preoperative hematology and coagulation parameters did not differ between the groups. In the PSQ group a mean of 433+/-34 ml concentrated platelet portion was collected. The mean platelet count in the concentrated platelet portion was 749+/-157x10(3)/microl, resulting in a platelet yield of 28+/-6% (2040%). The average total chest tube blood loss was 423 ml (PSQ) compared to 858 ml (CTR), p<0.001. A greater number of CTR patients required blood transfusion postoperatively (23) compared to PSQ (3), P<0.001, and fluid requirements were also significantly increased in the control group, P<0.001. No statistical differences in hematology and coagulation parameters between the groups were observed. The hospital mortality was low and the incidence of postoperative complications was few and without group differences. Post-extubation gas exchange was better in PSQ patients compared to CTR. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative PSQ of a minimum 20% of the total platelet plasma volume resulted in significantly lower postoperative blood loss and fluid and blood transfusion requirements compared to controls. Post-extubation gas exchange was also better after PSQ. Only one patient did not tolerate the sequestration. No other adverse effects of the procedure were observed.     

Isoflurane preconditioning-induced cardio-protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ischaemic preconditioning is commonly regarded as one of the most powerful protective mechanisms against a subsequent lethal ischaemic injury during coronary artery bypass graft surgery but is not practiced routinely. Experimentally, isoflurane, a commonly used volatile anaesthetic agent, provides myocardial protection through a signal transduction cascade that is remarkably similar to the pathways identified in ischaemic preconditioning. The aim of our study was to investigate whether pre-ischaemic administration of isoflurane exerted protection against prolonged ischaemia with functional recovery and reduced necrosis among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft operations were prospectively randomized into the control or isoflurane groups. In the isoflurane group, isoflurane 2.5 minimum alveolar concentration was administered for 15 min followed by a 5-min washout period before aortic cross-clamping. The control group received a time-matched period of isoflurane-free cardiopulmonary bypass. The conduction of anaesthesia and surgery were standardized in all patients. Haemodynamic data, troponin I release and inotropic support were measured and recorded perioperatively. RESULTS: There were no adverse effects related to isoflurane administration. In the isoflurane group, the mean cardiac index after cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly higher than the pre-bypass value (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was found in the control group. At 15 min after cardiopulmonary bypass and 6 h after surgery, the changes in cardiac index and stroke volume index were significantly higher in the isoflurane group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was a consistently lower release of troponin I in the isoflurane group compared to the control group. Compared to the controls, the mean troponin I level was significantly reduced in the isoflurane group at 24 h after surgery (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The present results support the preconditioning effect of isoflurane in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery as clinically feasible and providing optimal cardiac protection.     

Gastrointestinal complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal complications (GICs) such as gastroduodenal ulcer, enterocolitis, and ischemic colitis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are rare, but are associated with high mortality and morbidity. The present study was performed to detect risk factors and to investigate outcomes following GICs after CABG. METHODS: Between January 1992 and December 2001, 17 of 549 patients (3.1%) developed GICs after CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass, presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcer, enterocolitis, or ischemic colitis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of these patients. RESULTS: All patients required emergent treatment for hemorrhage by means of blood transfusion and endoscopic ablation and/or clipping. The following possible predictors of GICs were identified by logistic multivariate analysis: age over 70, diabetes mellitus (particularly insulin-dependent diabetes), history of cerebrovascular disease or history of renal failure and postoperative low output syndrome (LOS). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that GICs after CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass are rare but can be lethal. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention can be difficult but are potentially life saving for patients in whom GICs develop.     

Intraaortic balloon pumping in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Beneficial effect of preoperative intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) treatment in high-risk patients who had open heart surgery have been demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of preoperative IABP use on survival in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Two hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients having CABG at our institution were reviewed. Patients having an IABP were identified retrospectively and grouped into one of 3 groups as follows. Group A (n = 14): preoperative IABP for high-risk urgent or elective cases. Group B (n = 26): preoperative IABP for emergency cases. Group C (n = 6): unplanned intraoperative or postoperative IABP. RESULTS: Forty-six patients had an IABP (16.6% of total). Parsonnet score in group B was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Length of operation for group C was significantly longer (p < 0.05). Overall hospital mortality in the total group of 277 cases was 4.2%. Hospital mortality was 7.1% in group A, 7.7% in group B, and 50% in group C. Hospital mortality in group C was significantly higher (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of preoperative treatment with IABP in high-risk patients undergoing CABG was confirmed. This approach resulted in a significantly lower hospital mortality.     

A survey of current myocardial protection practices during coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE: To identify current myocardial protection strategies for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) across the UK and Ireland. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 15 questions was sent to practising cardiac surgeons between June and October 2002. The list of surgeons was obtained from the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland database and they were contacted by postal and electronic mail. RESULTS: 118 (73.7%) out of 160 surgeons responded to the survey. 61 (51.7%) perform CABG on-pump (ONCAB) while 10 (8.5%) practice off-pump CABG (OPCAB). 47 (39.8%) perform either depending on individual cases. Of the 108 surgeons performing ONCAB, 91 (84.3%) use cardioplegia while 17 (15.7%) use cross-clamp and fibrillation techniques. Of those using cardioplegia, 76 (83.5%) use blood cardioplegia, 15 (19.7%) use warm-blood and 60 (78.9%) use cold-blood cardioplegia. 15(16.5%) use crystalloid cardioplegia. Retrograde cardioplegia is used by 23 (25.2%). We find an interesting variation of practice in relation to specifics like warm induction, graft cardioplegia, hot-shot, single cross-clamp, hypothermia and venting procedures. An overwhelming majority of surgeons performing OPCAB use the Octopus stabiliser (n=44, 77.2%) with some others preferring the Genzyme system. Supplementary stabilisation is not commonly used. While most OPCAB surgeons use intracoronary shunts (n=51), some prefer blockers (n=9) and others use coronary sloops (n=36). Ischaemic preconditioning is not commonly practised. Several surgeons have changed their practice of myocardial protection in the last 5 years (n=45). CONCLUSIONS: This survey gives us an interesting insight into current myocardial protection practices in the UK and Ireland and may be useful for future reference.