Single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts with concomitant saphenous vein grafts for multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting: effects on mortality and event-free survival

BACKGROUND: The issue of superiority of single internal thoracic artery grafting versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of single and bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting with concomitant saphenous vein grafting for multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Between March 1985 and April 1995, 6650 patients underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with internal thoracic artery grafts, including 4382 patients with multivessel bypass grafting requiring at least 3 grafts. Outcomes of patients undergoing single internal thoracic artery plus saphenous vein grafting (n = 2547) and bilateral internal thoracic artery plus saphenous vein grafting (n = 1835) were obtained at a mean follow-up of 11 +/- 3 years. RESULTS: Patients with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting were younger, were mostly male, and had less diabetes, hypertension, unstable angina, and recent myocardial infarction than patients undergoing single internal thoracic artery grafting. Thirty-day mortality was 2.3% for the group undergoing single internal thoracic artery grafting versus 1.2% for those undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting (P =.007). Survival probability at 10 years was 88% for the single-graft group compared with 93% for the bilateral-graft group (P <.001). Multivariate analysis with propensity scoring showed that bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting decreased the risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.90), myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.93), and coronary reoperation (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.80) throughout the follow-up period. Other significant predictors of death were diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, chronic heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic plus saphenous vein grafting appear to have a significantly better long-term clinical outcome than patients undergoing single internal thoracic artery plus saphenous vein grafting for multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Skeletonization of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts lowers the risk of sternal infection in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Deep sternal wound infection is a dreaded complication of coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in patients with diabetes. This study determines whether skeletonization of internal thoracic artery conduits compared with pedicled harvesting reduces the risk of deep sternal wound infection in patients with diabetes undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively gathered data on all patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting and received bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts at our institution since 1990. We compared patients with diabetes who received skeletonized (n = 79) versus conventional pedicled (n = 36) internal thoracic artery conduits. RESULTS: The proportion of patients taking insulin (19.0% vs 14.0% for skeletonized vs conventional grafts, respectively, P =.6) or oral hypoglycemic agents (68.4% vs 69.4%, P =.9), as well as the prevalence of type I diabetes (2.5% vs 8.3%, P =.18), were similar in both groups. Patients who received skeletonized grafts were more likely to receive a free rather than an in situ right internal thoracic artery graft (93.7% vs 30.6%, P <.001). The prevalence of deep sternal wound infection was significantly lower in patients who received skeletonized grafts compared with patients who received conventional grafts (1.3% vs 11.1%, P =.03). Patients in the skeletonized group were also less likely to develop any (superficial or deep) sternal wound infection postoperatively (5.1% vs 22.2%, P =.03). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of deep sternal wound infection between patients with diabetes who received skeletonized internal thoracic arteries and patients without diabetes who underwent conventional internal thoracic artery grafting (n = 578) (1.2% vs 1.6%, respectively, P =.8). CONCLUSIONS: Skeletonization of internal thoracic artery conduits lowers the risk of deep sternal wound infection in patients with diabetes undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting. We no longer consider diabetes a contraindication to bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting, provided the internal thoracic arteries are skeletonized.     

Propensity case-matched analysis of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with atheromatous aortic disease

OBJECTIVE: Atheromatous aortic disease is a risk factor for excessive mortality and stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with severe atheromatous aortic disease were compared by propensity case-match methods. METHODS: Routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identified 985 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with severe atheromatous disease in the aortic arch or ascending aorta. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 281 patients (28.5%). Propensity matched-pairs analysis was used to match patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 245) with patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed decreased hospital mortality (16/245, 6.5% vs 28/245, 11.4%; P =.058) and stroke prevalence (4/245, 1.6% vs 14/245, 5.7%; P =.03) in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Freedom from any postoperative complication was higher in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (226/245, 92.2% vs 196/245, 80.0%; P <.001). Multivariable analysis of preoperative risk factors showed that increased hospital mortality was associated with coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio = 2.7; P =.01), fewer grafts (P =.05), acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 11.5; P <.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio = 2.4; P =.03), previous cardiac surgery (odds ratio = 10.2, P =.05), and peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio = 2.1; P =.05). Cardiopulmonary bypass was the only independent risk factor for stroke (odds ratio = 3.6, P =.03). At 36 months' follow-up, comparable survival was observed in the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass groups (74% vs 72%). Multivariable analysis revealed that renal disease (P <.001), advanced age (P <.001), previous myocardial infarction (P =.03), and lower number of grafts (P =.02) were independent risks for late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe atherosclerotic aortic disease who undergo off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting have a significantly lower prevalence of hospital mortality, perioperative stroke, and overall complications than matched patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identifies severe atheromatous aortic disease and directs the choice of surgical technique.     

Bilateral skeletonized internal thoracic artery grafting in 303 patients seventy years and older

OBJECTIVES: Higher patency rates of the internal thoracic artery have led myocardial revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic arteries to be a procedure designated primarily for young patients. Fewer leg wound complications and sternal collateral flow preservation with the skeletonizing dissection technique can make bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting attractive also for elderly patients. METHODS: Between May 1996 and May 1998, 303 consecutive patients aged 70 years or older (mean age 75.5 years; range 70-92 years) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with double skeletonized internal thoracic arteries. Forty-four (14.5%) patients were 80 years or older, and 89 (28%) had diabetes. The mean number of grafts was 3.1 per patient (2-6). RESULTS: Operative mortality was 2.6% (n = 8): it was higher for octogenarians (6.8%) than for younger patients (1.9%) (P =.06). The only significant preoperative predictors of early mortality were complicated percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (P =.03) and preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pumping (P =.03). Six patients (2%) had sternal wound infections for which chronic lung disease (P =.02) and emergency operation (P =.006) were the only significant predictors. Twenty-two (7.2%) late deaths occurred, and 1- and 3-year survivals were 93% and 90%, respectively. The 3-year survival of patients 80 years old or older was 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral grafting of the skeletonized internal thoracic artery carries relatively low morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and can be recommended for selected patients including octogenarians.     

The propriety of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in women

In our institusion, the exclusion criteria of the bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting include age over 70 years old, obesity, severe diabetus, renal dysfunction and poor preoperative physical activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate propriety of the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in women. Clinical outcome of female patients who underwent BITA grafting (group B-F; n=50) was compared with that of female patients who underwent single internal thoracic artery grafting (group S; n=50). In addition, clinical outcome of the male patients who underwent BITA grafting (group B-M; n=50) was compared with that of group B-F. Between group B-F and S, the age, prevalence of obesity and that of renal dysfunction were significantly different, which was predictable because of the group selection according to the criteria. However, the prevalence of previous myocardial infarction and that of left ventricular dysfunction and the extent of coronary artery disease were not significantly different. Whereas, between group B-F and B-M, preoperative factors were not significantly different except the body size. Intraoperative technical factors, such no of grafts, aortic cross clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, rate of complete revascularization, were not significantly different. In comparison of group B-F with group B-M, the site of anastomosis with arterial grafts were not significantly different. Patency rate of arterial and venous grafts two week after operation was not significantly different. Either postoperative complications, such as reoperation for bleeding, wound complication, low output symdrome, renal dysfunction etc, were not significantly different. One patient (2%) in group B-F and 1 patient (2%) in group B-M died in the hospital (p>0.05). In summary, BITA can be a viable conduit of choice for CABG in female patients as well as that in male patients. Criteria of the use of BITA is recommended to exclude preoperative risk factors abovementioned.     

In situ retrocaval skeletonized right internal thoracic artery anastomosed to the circumflex system via transverse sinus: technical aspects and postoperative outcome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether, by using the in situ right internal thoracic artery via the transverse sinus (eventually retrocaval), both the proximal and distal major branches of the circumflex system could be grafted and to evaluate the early and late outcome in these patients. METHODS: Between January 1997 and March 2002, 452 consecutive patients underwent grafting of the circumflex system with the in situ skeletonized right internal thoracic artery routed via the transverse sinus. The mean age was 62.4 +/- 10.3 years. A mean of 2.2 +/- 0.3 arterial grafts per patient were used, and 271 (60%) patients underwent total arterial myocardial revascularization. At 3 months after surgery, 86 patients (right Y or T graft) underwent echo color Doppler imaging before and after an adenosine provocative test. The mean follow-up was 27 +/- 8 months. RESULTS: The success rate of skeletonized right internal thoracic artery grafting to the circumflex system branch was 100%. There were 15 (3.4%) hospital deaths. In 116 patients who underwent postoperative angiography, the total patency rates of the right and left internal thoracic arteries were 94% and 96.6%, respectively. Strong predictors for nonfunctional internal thoracic artery grafts were a small internal thoracic artery caliber (P <.001), recipient coronary artery diameter less than 1.5 mm (P =.012), stenotic lesions of less than 60% (P =.016), and diffuse stenotic lesions (P =.015) of the recipient coronary artery. In 86 patients who underwent postoperative echo color Doppler imaging, the flow reserves at the main stem of the left and right internal thoracic arteries were 2.24 +/- 0.5 and 2.48 +/- 0.6, respectively. Cumulative actuarial survival at 3 years was 96.3%, and event-free cumulative survival was 93%. The Cox model revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 35% (P =.016), age greater than 70 years (P =.025), New York Heart Association grade greater than III (P =.0019), nontotal arterial myocardial revascularization (P =.002), and the preoperative presence of more than 1 ischemic area (P <.001) as strong predictors for poor overall cumulative event-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: The skeletonized right internal thoracic artery, placed via the transverse sinus and eventually retrocaval, can reach most branches of the circumflex system and is associated with an excellent patency rate. The predictors for poor overall event-free survival seem to be similar to those of the general population undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. Use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries and in situ right internal thoracic artery grafting via the transverse sinus offers the possibility of various configuration constructions, making possible total arterial myocardial revascularization with a minimum number of arterial conduits.     

Effect of coronary artery bypass grafting on native coronary artery stenosis. Comparison of internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein grafts

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of coronary artery bypass grafting on the degree of stenosis of the native coronary artery. METHODS: Experimental design: retrospective data analysis. Setting: University hospital. Patients: consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (n=52). Bypasses using internal thoracic artery grafts (n=26) and saphenous vein grafts (n=37) to incompletely occluded coronary arteries were studied. Interventions: coronary artery bypass grafting using internal thoracic artery or saphenous vein grafts. Measures: stenosis of the native coronary artery on angiography. RESULTS: Three recipient coronary arteries bypassed with internal thoracic artery grafts (12%) and 14 recipient coronary arteries bypassed with saphenous vein grafts (38%) showed progression of narrowing (p=0.024). Two recipient coronary arteries bypassed with internal thoracic artery grafts (8%) and 13 recipient coronary arteries bypassed with saphenous vein grafts (35%) showed total occlusion (p=0.016). Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking history did not correlate with progression of stenosis of the native coronary arteries. Graft flow measured during surgery in the saphenous vein grafts was not significantly different between the group that exhibited progression of the native stenosis and the group that did not. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery bypass grafting with saphenous vein grafts may result in progression of stenosis of the recipient coronary artery. This is less likely after coronary artery bypass grafting with internal thoracic artery grafts. This difference may be due to the ability of the pedicled internal thoracic artery graft to regulate flow. Thus competitive flow in the native coronary artery is minimized. This has significant clinical implications.     

T grafts with the right internal thoracic artery to left internal thoracic artery versus the left internal thoracic artery and radial artery: flow dynamics in the internal thoracic artery main stem.

OBJECTIVE: Complete arterial coronary artery bypass grafting with 2 grafts can be achieved even in triple vessel disease by use of a T configuration. There is still uncertainty whether the coronary flow reserve in the main stem of the left internal thoracic artery is sufficient to supply more than 1 anastomosed coronary vessel. METHODS: Between March 1996 and February 1999, 251 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease underwent complete arterial revascularization with T grafts, using either the left internal thoracic artery with the free right internal thoracic artery graft (n = 73, group I) or the left internal thoracic artery and radial artery (n = 178, group II). A mean of 4.0 (group I) versus 4.3 (group II) coronary vessels were anastomosed per patient. One week (n = 92) and 6 months (n = 28) after the operation, flow was measured in the proximal left internal thoracic artery with a Doppler guide wire. Maximum flow was determined after injection of adenosine (30 microg). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality was 2.7% (group I) versus 2.3% (group II). At angiography (n = 142, 56.6%) the patency rate was 96.3% (group I) versus 98.2% (group II). There was no significant difference between baseline flow, maximum flow, and coronary flow reserve between the 2 groups. Coronary flow reserve increased in both groups within the first 6 postoperative months (group I, 1.85 +/- 0.31 vs 2.77 +/- 0.77, P =.0002; group II, 1.82 +/- 0.4 vs 2.53 +/- 0.73, P =.009). CONCLUSION: Both variants of T grafts allow for complete arterial revascularization with good perioperative results. The flow reserve of the proximal internal thoracic artery is adequate for multiple coronary anastomoses irrespective of the choice of the second arterial graft.     

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.     

Skeletonization of gastroepiploic artery graft in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: early clinical and angiographic assessment

BACKGROUND: Recently skeletonization has been recognized as an alternative to pedicle harvesting of the internal thoracic artery as a technique that increases the length and caliber size of the graft compared with pedicled internal thoracic artery grafts; however, this is not yet popular for harvesting the gastroepiploic artery (GEA). We report here our experience of skeletonized GEA grafting in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with early clinical and angiographic results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate skeletonization of GEA grafting in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with a large patient volume. METHODS: One hundred sixty-eight patients including 131 men and 37 women (mean age, 65 years; range, 45 to 87 years) underwent the skeletonized GEA grafting in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. These patients represent 41% (168 of 407 patients) of those who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting operations during the same period. We used the GEA graft of choice in patients with right coronary artery lesion. Skeletonization was performed in a unique manner we developed. RESULTS: There were no in-hospital deaths among the study patients. One patient had a perioperative myocardial infarction, which was considered a result of vasospasm of the GEA graft. None of the other patients had severe morbidity. The patency rate of the skeletonized GEA graft was 98.1% (151 of 154 distal anastomoses). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that skeletonization of the GEA graft can enlarge its caliber size and improve its flow capacity. In addition, the acceptable early clinical and angiographic outcome suggests that use of the skeletonized GEA graft in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is safe and effective.     

Benefits accruing to grafting of the right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: We have investigated the effects and outcome from grafting the right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: We analyzed the findings in 185 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting involving right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery bypass. The survival rate, cardiac events related to the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery graft, and graft patency were investigated. In cardiac catheterization, the production of nitric oxide from the endothelium of the internal thoracic artery was measured as the plasma nitrite and nitrate levels by the Griess reaction. The reactions to acetylcholine infusion (5 micrograms) in the right internal thoracic artery (n = 4) were compared to those in the left internal thoracic artery (n = 9) grafts. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was 0.5%. The actuarial survival rate at 11 years after operation was 98.81%. The rate of freedom from cardiac events at 11 years after operation was 92.08%. The rate of patency of the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery was 97.0% in 133 patients. Nitric oxide production was calculated as (total nitrite plus nitrate production in response to stimulation by acetylcholine-total nitrite plus nitrate level before acetylcholine load)/(total nitrite plus nitrate level before acetylcholine load). There was no significant difference in changes in plasma concentration in response to acetylcholine stimulation between the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery and left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery groups (20 +/- 29% versus 5 +/- 10%). CONCLUSIONS: The right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery grafts exhibited good patency and release of nitric oxide in response to acetylcholine loading, similar to left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery grafts.     

Equivalent midterm outcomes after off-pump and on-pump coronary surgery

OBJECTIVE: Multiple reports demonstrate that off-pump surgery reduces the early morbidity associated with coronary artery bypass grafting. To determine if there are any differences in later outcomes, we compared midterm results of propensity-matched patients who underwent off- and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: From January 1997 to July 2000, 481 patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and 3231 underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Propensity matching was used to match 406 patients from each group. Previously, the propensity-matched off-pump patients were found to have had significantly fewer bypass grafts. These 812 patients were followed for time-related events, including death, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary reoperation, and the combined end point of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and all coronary reintervention. Follow-up was 95% complete. RESULTS: At 4 years, survival was 87.5% after off-pump and 91.2% after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (P =.2); freedom from myocardial infarction was 92.6% and 95.7% (P =.7), respectively; freedom from percutaneous coronary intervention was 94.3% and 95.5% (P =.9), respectively; freedom from coronary reoperation was 98.1% and 99.0% (P =.4), respectively; and freedom from the combined end point of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and coronary reintervention was 75.2% and 82.9% (P =.14), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting results in equivalent midterm outcomes. Fewer bypass grafts in the off-pump patients did not decrease survival or increase ischemic events at 4 years.     

The fate of the radial artery conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the standard surgical procedure for the treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. CABG surgery has been demonstrated to improve symptoms and, in specific subgroups of patients, to prolong life. Despite its success, the long-term outcome of coronary bypass surgery is strongly influenced by the fate of the vascular conduits used. Impressive long-term disease-free patency rate of the left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending coronary artery (LITA-LAD) graft, coupled with proven long-term survival benefits, has led to its becoming a 'golden standard' of CABG. Previous long-term studies have also shown unsatisfactory patency of saphenous vein grafts used for myocardial revascularization, compared with internal thoracic artery grafts. Thus, the use of arterial conduits has expanded beyond the internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) to include the right gastroepiploic artery, the inferior epigastric artery, and the radial artery. The assumption is that although the performance of one or two arterial ITA graft is superb, more arterial grafts should perform better in the long-term follow-up. Several studies concerning the use of the radial artery bypass grafts have documented excellent clinical results and satisfactory short-term as well as mid-term patency rates at restudy angiography, supporting its continued use as a bypass conduit. However, a note of caution concerning radial artery conduit patency rate have appeared in few recent reports. Thus, in this paper, we summarize the current evidence about the radial artery as a conduit in CABG surgery, with special emphasis on the clinical results.     

Inverted T graft: novel technique using composite radial and internal thoracic arteries

BACKGROUND: Multiple arterial revascularization is feasible because of the excellent long-term patency of the arterial grafts compared with venous grafts. We present a new operative technique for multiple arterial revascularization using composite radial and internal thoracic arterial grafts. METHODS: Between January and September 1997, 12 patients had coronary artery bypass grafting with inverted T graft. The indications for inverted T graft were aortic calcification in 4 patients, repeat coronary artery bypass grafting in 1 patient, and total arterial revascularization in 7 young patients. The inverted T graft was constructed by interconnecting the coronary arteries and radial artery with end-to-side and side-to-side anastomoses, and by anastomosing the internal thoracic artery to the side of radial artery. RESULTS: Overall, 38 distal anastomoses (average number per patient, 3.2) were made with an inverted T graft. There were no deaths or perioperative myocardial infarctions. Postoperative angiography disclosed that all of the anastomoses were patent. CONCLUSION: This technique allows multiple arterial revascularizations without technical difficulty. It is useful in patients with aortic calcification, repeat coronary artery bypass grafting patients, and young patients who are candidates for total arterial revascularization.     

Left internal thoracic artery-radial artery composite grafts as the technique of choice for myocardial revascularization in elderly patients: a prospective randomized evaluation

OBJECTIVES: The technique of choice for myocardial revascularization in elderly patients remains a debated issue. We evaluated the potential advantages of the use of left internal thoracic artery-radial artery composite grafts compared with conventional coronary artery bypass grafts in elderly patients. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 160 patients aged more than 70 years scheduled to undergo isolated myocardial revascularization. Patients were assigned at random to group 1, 80 patients undergoing total arterial revascularization (left internal thoracic artery on left anterior descending coronary artery plus radial artery), or group 2, 80 patients undergoing standard coronary artery bypass graft surgery (left internal thoracic artery on left anterior descending coronary artery plus saphenous veins). The radial artery was used in all cases as a composite Y-graft. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics and risk factors (EuroSCORE: group 1 = 7.9 vs group 2 = 8.1), number of grafted coronary vessels (group 1 = 2.4 vs group 2 = 2.5), aortic crossclamping time (group 1 = 37 +/- 7 minutes vs group 2 = 38 +/- 7 minutes), ventilation time (group 1 = 22 +/- 12 hours vs group 2 = 23 +/- 11 hours), intensive care unit stay (group 1 = 39 +/- 10 hours vs group 2 = 40 +/- 9 hours), and hospital mortality (group 1 = 3.8% vs group 2 = 5%) were comparable between the groups. Comparison between the 2 groups in terms of early postoperative complications showed a higher incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in group 2 (group 1 = 0 patients vs group 2 = 4 patients, 5%). At a mean follow-up of 16 +/- 3 months, patients in group 1 showed superior clinical results with a lower incidence of graft occlusion (group 1 = 2 vs group 2 = 11; P =.06) and angina recurrence (group 1 = 2 patients vs group 2 = 12 patients; P =.03). Multivariate analysis identified saphenous vein grafts as independent predictors for graft occlusion and angina recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Left internal thoracic artery-radial artery composite grafts proved to be a safe procedure in elderly patients. It improved the clinical outcome, providing a significantly higher graft patency rate and a lower incidence of late cardiac events.     

Comparison of coronary bypass surgery with and without cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with multivessel disease

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting can now be performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. Our objective was to determine whether off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with better early outcomes compared with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: In 4 centers with off-pump coronary surgery experience, a retrospective analysis of all coronary artery bypass grafting in a 3-year period was performed. Groups were compared to determine selection criteria, mortality, and morbidity, then computer-matched by propensity score to control for selection bias. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors predictive of mortality. Specific subgroups most likely to benefit were identified. RESULTS: In all, 17,401 isolated coronary artery bypass grafts were performed, 7283 (41.9%) off-pump coronary artery bypass grafts and 10,118 (58.1%) conventional coronary artery bypass with cardiopulmonary bypass. Factors determining selection of patients for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting included female gender (55.5% vs 44.5%), preexisting renal failure (57.0% vs 43.0%), and reoperations (52.6% vs 47.4%). Operative mortality was 2.8%; off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus conventional coronary artery bypass with cardiopulmonary bypass (1.9% vs 3.5%, P <.001) had the same predicted risk. Of the patients with multivessel disease, 11,548 were matched by propensity scoring. Mortality was significantly less in the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting group (2.8% vs 3.7%, P <.001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis of the matched sample, predictors for mortality were female gender (odds ratio 1.83, confidence interval 1.37-2.44), preexisting renal failure (odds ratio 2.85, confidence interval 2.64-4.95), history of stroke (odds ratio 1.74, confidence interval 1.08-2.80), previous coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (odds ratio 4.22, confidence interval 2.92-6.09), use of cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio 2.08, confidence interval 1.52-2.83), and recent myocardial infarction (odds ratio 2.31, confidence interval 1.68-3.22). Cardiopulmonary bypass was predictive of mortality in reoperations, female patients, and patients aged >or= 75 years. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with less morbidity, including reductions in blood transfusion (32.6% vs 40.6%, P <.001), stroke (1.4% vs 2.1%, P =.002), renal failure (2.6% vs 5.2%, P <.001), pulmonary complications (4.1% vs 9.5%, P <.001), reoperation (1.7% vs 3.2%, P <.001), atrial fibrillation (21.1% vs 24.99%, P <.001), and gastrointestinal complications (3.6% vs 4.8%, P =.02). CONCLUSION: In 4 centers with beating-heart operation experience, there is an overall early benefit in off-pump surgery, especially in patients traditionally considered at high risk for coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the characteristic problems of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with chronic renal failure. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive dialysis patients who required isolated coronary bypass grafting over a 9-year period were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: Nine patients (18%) had emergent operation, 4 of whom had intraaortic balloon counterpulsation instituted preoperatively. A mean of 3.3 +/- 1.0 bypasses per patient were grafted; 14 patients (27%) had bypass with two arterial grafts, 13 (25%) of which used left internal mammary artery and gastroepiploic artery and one of which used bilateral internal mammary artery grafts. A mean of 4.2 +/- 2.6 coronary artery segments were calcific according to American Heart Association classification. Eight patients (16%) required operative modifications to avoid manipulating calcific plaques on the ascending aorta. Four patients (7.8%) died, and 15 had nonlethal complications. The actuarial survival rates in 47 hospital survivors at 1, 3, and 5 years were overall 89%, 84%, and 71%, respectively, and estimates for cardiac deaths 93%, 93%, and 82%, respectively. Cardiac event-free rates after coronary artery bypass grafting were 83% and 65% for 3- and 5-year periods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Calcification of coronary arteries and the ascending aorta is a serious problem in long-term dialysis patients. However using arterial grafts, preferentially, in situ, seems to provide a practical alternative to minimize manipulating the ascending aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting, with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality rates and long-term survival.     

Early experience with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass is performed under direct vision without sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique can be used in both primary and reoperative cases by employing the internal thoracic artery to perform arterial revascularization of the anterior surface of the heart. METHODS: Patients were selected who had significant coronary artery disease limited to 1 or 2 coronary distributions on the anterior surface of the heart. Coronary target vessels were grafted with the internal thoracic artery through a small anterior thoracotomy. After partial heparinization the anastomosis was facilitated by local coronary occlusion and handheld stabilization. RESULTS: Between August 1994 and July 1997, 162 patients underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery. The left and right internal thoracic arteries were used for grafting of the left anterior descending artery in 142 patients (88%), the proximal right coronary artery in 7 patients (4%), existing saphenous vein grafts in 5 patients (3%), and diagonal branches in 2 patients (1%). Sequential grafting with the left internal thoracic artery was performed in 2 patients (1%) and bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting was performed in 4 patients (3%). Eight patients (4.9%) died within 30 days after the operation, 3 of cardiac causes. Seven additional patients died during the follow-up period. Nine patients (5.6%) required reintervention for graft stenosis or occlusion during follow-up. Of 141 patients seen 2 or more weeks after the operation, 135 (96%) had resolution of their anginal symptoms at a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 0-31 months). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery avoids the risks of repeated sternotomy, aortic manipulation, and cardiopulmonary bypass. There was a low rate of reintervention, and patients had excellent resolution of anginal symptoms. Postoperative length of stay was comparatively short, and continued follow-up will be essential to evaluate long-term graft patency and patient survival.     

Arterial revascularization. 18-year experience with coronary artery bypass grafting in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is characterized by a high plasma level of cholesterol and is frequently associated with rapidly progressing coronary heart disease. The internal thoracic artery is recognized as the conduit of choice for coronary artery bypass grafting. This study was performed to determine whether multiple arterial grafting was associated or not with additional benefits for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Between June 1980 and March 1998, 95 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. underwent a total of 103 coronary artery bypass procedures with one hospital death. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of bypass graft. Group 1 included 31 patients with only saphenous vein grafts; Group 2,48 patients with one arterial graft and supplemental vein grafts; and Group 3, 24 patients with multiple arterial grafts. The overall actuarial survival rate was 90.9% at 10 years and 81.8% at 18 years. The overall actuarial freedom from recurrent angina was 68.9% at 10 years and 55.8% at 16 years. The actuarial survival rate in group 2 was higher than that in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the actuarial survival or in the freedom from cardiac events between Group 2 and Group 3. Single arterial grafting improved the long-term survival in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. However, no additional benefit from multiple arterial grafting was identified.     

Benefits accruing to grafting of the right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting

Objectives: We have investigated the effects and outcome from grafting the right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods: We analyzed the findings in 185 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting involving right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery bypass. The survival rate, cardiac events related to the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery graft, and graft patency were investigated. In cardiac catheterization, the production of nitric oxide from the endothelium of the internal thoracic artery was measured as the plasma nitrite and nitrate levels by the Griess reaction. The reactions to acetylcholine infusion (5 μg) in the right internal thoracic artery (n = 4) were compared to those in the left internal thoracic artery (n = 9) grafts.Results: The hospital mortality rate was 0.5%. The actuarial survival rate at 11 years after operation was 98.81%. The rate of freedom from cardiac events at 11 years after operation was 92.08%. The rate of patency of the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery was 97.0% in 133 patients. Nitric oxide production was calculated as (total nitrite plus nitrate production in response to stimulation by acetylcholine-total nitrite plus nitrate level before acetylcholine load) / (total nitrite plus nitrate level before acetylcholine load). There was no significant difference in changes in plasma concentration in response to acetylcholine stimulation between the right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery and left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery groups (20 ± 29% versus 5 ± 10%).Conclusions: The right internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery grafts exhibited good patency and release of nitric oxide in response to acetylcholine loading, similar to left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery grafts.