Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for a patient with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

We report on a case of a 70-year-old chronic hemodialysis patient. He presented with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) and severe left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis, which supplied collateral flow to the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient complained of myocardial ischemic symptoms during routine hemodialysis. We performed off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) surgery and ligation of the origin of the ARCAPA. Previous reports described that the myocardial ischemia was a rare complication with the ARCAPA patients. However, this case required coronary revascularization because of the atherosclerotic LAD stenosis as a collateral source of the RCA.     

非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术的血流动力学研究

目的：分析非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术中血流动力学的变化。方法：2000年6月至2001年1月，连续32例病人接受非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术，术中、术后对各吻合血管的血流动力学指标进行持续监测。全组完成前降支吻合32例、右冠状动脉26例、回旋支28例、对角支8例。结果：本组死亡例。行前降支冠状动脉吻合时血流动力学指标无明显变化。右冠状动脉吻合时影响右心功能。回旋支及对角支冠状动脉吻合时对血流动力学有明显的影响，导致平均肺动脉压（MPAP）、肺毛细血管楔压（PAWP）、中心静脉压（CVP）明显升高，每搏指数（SVI）及左室每搏功指数（LVSWI）有明显下降；心排指数（CI）有一定的下降趋势。行主动脉近心端吻合时尽管已无心脏搬动，但MPAP、SVRI及肺循环阻力指数（PVRI）仍较诱导后有明显升高，CI有明显下降。术毕及术的2、6、16h各血流动力学指标趋于正常，CI有明显改善。结论：非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植行前降支及右冠状动脉吻合时对血流动力学影响较小，回旋支及对角支冠状动脉吻合时对血流动力学有明显的影响，术毕及术后2、6、16h各血流动力学指标趋于正常，心脏功能有明显改善。     

混合静脉血氧饱和度反映非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术中CO变化的准确性

目的 评价混合静脉血氧饱和度(S(-v)O2)反映非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植(OPCABG)术中CO变化的准确性.方法 择期行OPCABG的病人25例,年龄50～75岁,体重55～85 kg,NYHA心功能分级Ⅰ～Ⅲ级.静脉注射咪达唑仑、芬太尼、哌库溴铵和依托咪酯麻醉诱导,气管插管后行机械通气.麻醉诱导后,右颈内静脉置入漂浮导管,监测S(-v)O2和CI.静脉注射芬太尼和哌库溴铵,静脉输注异丙酚,必要时吸入异氟醚维持麻醉.于切皮前、吻合冠状动脉前降支(LAD)、吻合右冠状动脉(RCA)、吻合左冠状动脉回旋支(LCX)和关胸时,记录S(-v)O2、CI和Hb,计算氧耗指数(VO2I)、氧供指数(DO2I)和氧摄取率(ERO2).于体位改变前即刻、头低位时、搬动心脏时和固定心脏后,记录S(-v)O2和CI.结果 各时点VO2I和Hb比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);S(-v)O2、CI和ERO2于吻合RCA时降低,吻合LCX时降至最低,关胸时恢复至切皮前水平(P＜0.05);DO2I于吻合RCA和吻合LCX时降低,关胸时恢复至切皮前水平(P＜0.05).吻合RCA前和吻合LCX前,与体位变化前比较,头低位/头低右侧位时S(-v)O2升高(P＜0.05);与头低位/头低右侧位时比较,搬动心脏时S(-v)O2降低(P＜0.05);与搬动心脏比较,固定心脏后S(-v)O2升高(P＜0.05);各体位时CI差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 OPCABG术中病人体位、心脏位置瞬间改变和固定心脏时,S(-v)O2可实时、准确地反映CO的变化.     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for single coronary artery; report of a case

A 55-year-old male with single coronary artery complicated by angina pectoris was referred to our department for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) . Coronary arteriography could not identify the left coronary orifice. Right coronary arteriography showed that the circumflex branch (Cx) followed the course of the normal right coronary artery (RCA) , and the left anterior descending branch (LAD) followed the Cx. Other findings included 90% stenosis in #4 posterior descending (PD) of RCA. Off-pump CABG was successfully performed to D1 with the left internal thoracic artery graft and to #4PD with the radial artery graft.     

Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting for a patient with cardiopulmonary arrest

A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to sudden onset of unconsciousness caused by myocardial infarction with ventricular fibrillation. Emergent coronary angiography under intraaortic balloon pumping revealed 90% stenosis of the left main trunk and left anterior descending artery (LAD), and complete obstruction of the left circumflex artery (Cx) and right coronary artery (RCA). Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to LAD, Cx, and RCA was performed. During the postoperative course, the patient developed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. After implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), he was discharged on the postoperative day 36. The patient has now resumed normal daily life.     

Changes in systolic and diastolic function during multivessel off-pump coronary bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the changes in systolic and diastolic left ventricular function that occur during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) as a consequence of positioning the heart and interrupting coronary flow. METHODS: 2-D Transoesophageal echocardiography was used to derive systolic wall motion indices and pulsed Doppler parameters of diastolic function including the E/A ratio, PVS/PVD ratio, and deceleration time. A continuous cardiac output thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter was used to provide hemodynamic measures of left ventricular function. Data was obtained prior to, during and following coronary grafting. RESULTS: Thirty-four consecutive anastomoses were evaluated, including eight circumflex (LCX), 17 left anterior descending artery (LAD) and nine right coronary artery (RCA) anastamoses. Significant changes in diastolic and systolic cardiac function were identified in those patients who underwent LCX grafting. Specifically during LCX grafting, both wall motion score index (2.4+/-1.4 vs 1.5+/-0.63 and 1.9+/-0.91) and the E/A ratio were significantly increased (3.5+/-1.4 vs 1.1+/-0.33 and 1.2+/-0.44) when compared to RCA and LAD grafting, respectively. The PVS/PVD ratio was significantly decreased during left circumflex grafting (0.7+/-0.45 vs 1.1+/-0.19 and 1.0+/-0.58) when compared to RCA and LAD grafting, respectively. All functional parameters returned to baseline by the end of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Multivessel OPCAB can be achieved with mild impairment of left ventricular function that returns to baseline by the end of the procedure. Impairment of diastolic function is most marked during circumflex grafting as demonstrated by a restrictive filling pattern. Measures of diastolic function may be helpful in developing better strategies for exposure of the circumflex graft site.     

Single left coronary artery with separate origins of proximal and distal right coronary arteries from left anterior descending and circumflex arteries – a previously undescribed coronary circulation

A single left coronary artery with right coronary artery arising from either left main stem (LMS) or left anterior descending artery (LAD) or circumflex artery (Cx) is an extremely rare coronary anomaly. This is the first report of separate origins of proximal and distal RCA from LAD and circumflex arteries respectively in a patient with a single left coronary artery. This 57 year old patient presented with unstable angina and severe stenotic disease of LAD and Cx arteries and underwent urgent successful quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting. The anomalies of right coronary artery in terms of their origin, number and distribution are reviewed.     

Robotic Hybrid Procedure and Triple-Vessel Disease

Abstract   A 56-year old man presented with increasing angina pectoris. Coronary angiogram showed a triple-vessel disease, with significant lesions on the main stem, on an obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex coronary artery (Cx), on the right coronary artery (RCA), and a proximal occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). A hybrid procedure was decided, with a beating heart totally endoscopic double vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (Double BHTECAB) on the LAD and the Cx, with the use of a four-arm robotic device, and a stent placement into the RCA in a second step. Both procedures went uneventfully, and the patient is fully asymptomatic 15 months after the procedure.     

Intraoperative blood-flow responses in coronary artery bypass grafts.

Intraoperative graft flow responses in 15 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were studied systematically. The mean blood flow for 13 left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery grafts was 64 +/- 20 ml/min and for 12 right coronary artery (RCA) grafts was 53 +/- 13 ml/min. Of these, systolic flow was dominant in one LAD and three RCA grafts, suggesting the perfusion of the right ventricle or the noncontractile left ventricle segment, or both. Five LAD and two RCA grafts had a negligible reactive hyperemic response, and the underlying cause for this can be futher examined by observing their phasic flow patterns. Temporary occlusion of the coronary artery proximal to the site of anastomosis produced increased flow in 8 grafts, indicating the presence of competitive flow; decreased flow was observed in 15 grafts, indicating the presence of proximal retrograde flow which may play a role in the proximal occlusion of the bypassed artery later. Thus intraoperative flow studies supplement the preoperative angiographic findings in elucidating the pathophysiology involved and are useful in evaluating CABG operations.     

Hemodynamic changes during off-pump CABG surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the patients' hemodynamics during off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery. METHODS: Continuous monitoring of the mean systemic arterial pressure (SAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO(2)) and cardiac output index (COI) was done on 55 patients undergoing complete OPCAB revascularization. Hemodynamic changes were recorded at the completion of the anastomosis before releasing coronary snaring and stabilization and compared to baseline. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66.4+/-9.2 years, and on average 3.3+/-0.8 grafts per patient were performed. The average SAP drop after manipulations was -8.3+/-16.9 mmHg for the left anterior descending artery (LAD), -13.5+/-19.6 mmHg for the diagonal artery (DG), -14.6+/-13 mmHg for the optuse marginal artery (OM), and -14.2+/-13.5 mmHg for the right coronary artery. This was significant for all territories (P<0.01). The PAP significantly increased in all territories except OM (LAD: 3.7+/-6.3 mmHg, DG: 4.3+/-8.6 mmHg, OM: 1.1+/-7.2 mmHg, posterior descending artery: 2.7+/-5.6 mmHg; P<0.05). Variations in COI were significant in all territories (P<0.01) but more significantly in LAD and DG territories (-15+/-3% and -13+/-9%, respectively). The SvO(2) variations were <10% for all territories and reached only borderline significance (P=0.05) in all territories except OM. All these hemodynamic changes were well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation of the beating heart during OPCABG surgery brings significant fluctuations in the patients' hemodynamics. Mean PAP increase and COI drop were more significant during manipulation of the anterior territories suggesting a more severe diastolic restrictive disease during anterior wall manipulation.     

经单根冠状动脉与冠状静脉窦同时灌注心肌保护的实验研究

目的探讨经单根冠状动脉和冠状静脉窦（CS）顺行性／逆行性同时心肌灌注（SARC）的效果。方法将离体猪心分别经左前降支（LAD）、左回旋支（LCX）或右冠状动脉（RCA）中的1支和CS行SARC，再依次向动、静脉灌注通路内注入磁共振造影剂[钆喷替酸葡甲胺（Gd-DTPA）]。应用磁共振成像（MRI）检测心肌内造影剂的分布以及对非灌注冠状动脉回流液进行分析，评估心肌灌注效果。结果SARC期间经单根冠状动脉注入Gd-DTPA不但使其支配区域磁共振信号增强，而且其余2根非灌注冠状动脉的支配区域信号也增强（包括右心室游离壁）；而SARC期间经CS注入Gd-DTPA只引起非灌注冠状动脉支配区变亮，灌注冠状动脉的支配区和右心室游离壁的信号强度无改变。SARC期间非灌注冠状动脉收集的回流液速度分别为：LAD 10．5～17．7ml／min，LCX 9．7～15．2ml／min，RCA 4．7～7．8ml／min。结论经单根冠状动脉和CS同时灌注可以提供全面均匀的心肌灌注，足以防止非灌注冠状动脉支配区发生心肌缺血损伤。     

Phasic coronary blood flow pattern during a continuous flow left ventricular assist support.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been introduced and tested as a bridge to heart transplantation, bridge to recovery, and destination therapy, and several studies have been conducted to assess the physiologic effects of continuous flow LVADs. However, the effect of reduced pulsatility on the phasic coronary blood flow pattern is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the phasic coronary blood flow patterns during continuous flow LVAD support. METHODS: Phasic coronary blood flow patterns and hemodynamic data were analyzed using three flow probes placed around the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), and the right coronary artery (RCA) in 16 pigs before and after initiating the LVAD support with or without creating LAD stenosis. RESULTS: The total coronary blood flow (TCBF, 112.8+/-31.4 mL/min) gradually decreased when the continuous flow LVAD support increased to 2.0 L/min (110.7+/-29.0 mL/min, P = 0.571), 2.5 L/min (103.7+/-26.1 mL/min, P = 0.079), and 3.0 L/min (101.5+/-27.2 mL/min, P = 0.027) because of decreases in LAD flow and LCX flow. LVAD support caused decrease in systolic and peak systolic LAD flow, LCX flow, and RCA flow, whereas diastolic RCA flow increased. In the presence of LAD stenosis, the TCBF (97.7+/-36.1 mL/min) decreased when the continuous flow LVAD support increased to 2.0 L/min (83.9+/-22.1 mL/min, P = 0.029), 2.5 L/min (83.2+/-25.2 mL/min, P = 0.012), and 3.0 L/min (87.6+/-23.4 mL/min, P = 0.005) because of decreases in LCX flow. CONCLUSION: Use of a continuous flow LVAD decreased TCBF, LAD flow, and LCX flow secondary to reduced systolic LAD flow and LCX flow, and decreased TCBF and LCX flow in the presence of LAD stenosis. These findings are potentially relevant to understanding the physiology of myocardial blood perfusion during continuous flow LVAD support especially in patients with coronary artery disease.     

Myocardial revascularization using bilateral internal mammary arteries for total occlusion of LMCA in an adult case: sequelae of Kawasaki's disease in childhood

A 43-year-old female patient suffering from effort angina underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Coronary arteriogram demonstrated complete occlusion of the left main, proximal circumflex (Cx), and proximal left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) and a nonocclusive fusiform calcified aneurysm of the proximal right coronary artery (RCA). The left coronary artery system opacified via collateral vessels from the RCA. No other abnormalities were found in the entire aorta and its major branches. Myocardial revascularization was performed using the right IMA to bypass to the Cx and the left IMA to bypass to the LAD successfully. Prior to the operation, she had neither coronary risk factors nor inflammatory signs, though she had experienced fever of unknown origin lasting about a week when she was 11 years old. Accordingly we supposed that such coronary arterial lesions might have arisen from Kawasaki's disease in her childhood.     

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in two renal transplant patients

Coronary artery disease is a critical problem for a renal transplant patient. This paper reports offpump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in two cases after renal transplantation. The first, a 65-year-old woman, experienced chest pain 5 years after a renal transplantation. Coronary angiography (CAG) revealed stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the first diagonal artery (DB1). OPCABG [left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to DB1 and LAD] was performed. The second, a 67-year-old man, underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the LAD 10 years ago. He experienced chest pain 2 years after a renal transplantation. CAG revealed restenosis of LAD. OPCABG (LITA to LAD) was performed. The patients’ postoperative course was uneventful. OPCABG for a renal transplant patient was safe and useful since it is a less invasive procedure and easily managed perioperatively.     

微创冠状动脉搭桥术(附23例报告)

目的　探索冠状动脉搭桥术的微创治疗方法。　方法 1999年 1月至 2 0 0 0年 8月 ,用Octo pus方法给 2 3位冠状动脉狭窄的患者行冠状动脉搭桥术。搭桥数 1根 1例 ,2根 3例 ,3根以 19例。移植部位 :前降支 2 3例 ,对角支 8例 ,回旋 15例 ,右冠 14例 ,后降支 8例。移植血管 :左乳内动脉 2 0根 ,大隐静脉 4 8根。　结果　无手术死亡 ,无中转体外循环 ,术后心绞痛消失 ,MRI提示桥血管通畅。　结论　非体外循环下冠状动脉搭桥术适用于多支血管病变 ,包括回旋支和后降支。桥血管通畅率与常规冠状动脉搭桥术相同。并发症少 ,费用低 ,是一种安全、经济的微创手术方法。     

Heart displacement during off-pump CABG: how well is it tolerated?

BACKGROUND: Heart displacement during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is necessary to expose the anastomosic sites. We analyzed the hemodynamic changes in relation to the grafted arteries. METHODS: The relationship between surgical exposure and hemodynamic management was assessed in 150 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump CABG utilizing the Octopus Tissue Stabilization System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). RESULTS: Surgical exposure by anterolateral thoracotomy showed no significant hemodynamic changes. Through sternotomy, stroke volume was significantly reduced by dislocation at all target sites: by 6% at the left anterior descending artery (LAD), 25% at the diagonal branch artery (D), 14% at the right coronary artery (RCA), and 21% at the obtuse marginal artery (OM). The application of head-down positioning (LAD, 56%; D, 74%; RCA, 90%; OM, 96%) increased not only surgical exposure but also preload, producing correction of ventricular filling pressures and output. In a minority of cases, dopamine (3 to 5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was added to maintain baseline hemodynamic values (LAD, 5%; D, 15%; RCA, 7%; OM, 28%). CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization during anterolateral thoracotomy was uneventful. The sternotomy approach with heart displacement induced right heart compression. Mainly fluid redistribution was sufficient to correct cardiac output. Once stabilized, systemic circulation remained unchanged during revascularization.     

Cerebral oxygen desaturation monitoring during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of cerebral perfusion during off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCAB) has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of neurobiochemical markers of brain damage and cerebral perfusion with respect to the neuropsychological outcomes after OPCAB. METHODS: Ten patients (4 males and 6 females) underwent OPCAB. All patients were performed brain CT preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively. We excluded the patients with cerebralvascular disease from this study. A 5.5 Fr oximetric catheter was placed in the jugular bulb, and we measured continuously SjO2 and mean arterial blood pressure during OPCAB. Venous serum level of neuron specific enolase (NSE) was measured preoperatively and 24 hours after skin closure. RESULTS: There was correlation between mean blood pressure and SjO2 during anastomoses. The mean blood pressure during anastomoses of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), circumflex coronary artery (Cx), right coronary artery (RCA) were 68.6 +/- 12.9 mmHg, 60.9 +/- 9.3 mmHg, 64.1 +/- 14.1 mmHg. The SjO2 during anastomoses of LAD, Cx, RCA were 57.3 +/- 10.9%, 48.6 +/- 9.8%, 57.7 +/- 18.2%. There is tendency that the SjO2 during anastomosis of Cx was lower than others. No patients died, and there was no permanent neurologic deficit. Postoperatively, 2 patients had abnormal high NSE level. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative continuous cerebral oxygen desaturation monitoring seems to be useful monitor for neuropsychological outcomes after OPCAB.     

Superior Flow Pattern of Internal Thoracic Artery over Saphenous Vein Grafts during OPCAB Procedures

Abstract   Background: The advantages of the use of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) over that of the saphenous vein (SV) for revascularization of the circumflex (Cx) or right coronary artery (RCA) are still debated. Methods: Serial intraoperative flow measurements were carried out in 306 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, mean Euroscore 5.1) undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). The LAD was grafted in 302 patients [293 ITA (97%), 9 SV], the Cx in 252 patients [117 ITA (46%), 135 SV], and the RCA in 260 patients [36 ITA (14%), 224 SV]. Results: Averages of 3.7 ± 1.0 distal anastomoses/patient were constructed. Mean pulsatile index (PI) was significantly better for the single ITA/Cx-grafts (2.8 ± 1.9, n = 92) than for the single SV/Cx-grafts (3.3 ± 1.7, n = 43, p < 0.05), whereas the mean flow did not differ (28 ± 22 and 31 ± 25 mL/min respectively, p = ns). Accordingly, the mean PI was significantly better for the single ITA/RCA-grafts (2.2 ± 1.2, n = 36) than for the single SV/RCA-grafts (3.4 ± 2.6, n = 178, p < 0.01), whereas the mean flow did not differ (30 ± 16 and 32 ± 22 mL/min respectively, p = ns). The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction tended to be lower in patients receiving an ITA to either the Cx or the RCA than in those receiving a SV, but the difference did not reach statistical significance [2/92 of ITA/Cx (2.2%) vs. 2/43 of SV/Cx (4.6%), 1/36 of ITA/RCA (2.8%) vs. 8/178 of SV/RCA (4.5%)]. Conclusion: The internal thoracic artery provides superior flow properties than the SV to the Cx and RCA regions with reduced perioperative ischemia. Whether this advantage persists after adjusting for the grade of the proximal coronary stenosis needs further studies.     

Intracoronary shunt prevents left ventricular function impairment during beating heart coronary revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: Beating heart coronary revascularization is becoming increasingly popular world-wide. Temporary occlusion of the coronary artery is often required in order to perform the anastomosis. An alternative method to maintain perfusion is to use an intracoronary shunt. In this study, we monitored global left ventricular function and regional wall motion in the presence or absence of a shunt using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). METHOD: Left ventricular wall motion score index (WMSI), wall motion score (WMS) in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery territory, and ejection fraction (EF%) were measured by multiplane TEE during construction of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-LAD coronary artery anastomosis in 40 patients undergoing revascularization with or without the use of a shunt. WMSI was assessed preoperatively, 1, 3 and 6 min during the construction of the anastomosis and after 5 min of reperfusion. WMS was assessed at 6 min during anastomosis and after 5 min of reperfusion. EF% was calculated preoperatively, 5 min into the construction of the anastomosis, and 5 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: During construction of the anastomosis, when the shunt was used, there were no changes in WMSI, WMS in the LAD territory or EF%. A significant decline in these parameters was seen in the group in which the shunt was not used, although on reperfusion all the values returned to baseline control. CONCLUSION: (i) occlusion of the LAD to perform the anastomosis results in temporary impairment in left ventricular function with complete recovery on reperfusion; (ii) the use of an intracoronary shunt presumably by maintaining myocardial perfusion prevents deterioration in ventricular function; (iii) from this data it seems therefore advisable to use an intracoronary shunt in patients with unstable angina, poor left ventricular function, or in cases in which a longer time to perform the anastomosis is anticipated.     

Myocardial protective effect of lidocaine during experimental off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) has recently gained popularity. During OPCABG, patients remain vulnerable to ischemic-reperfusion injury due to a temporary coronary occlusion without any active cardioprotection. Some strategies such as ischemic preconditioning (IP) and an intracoronary shunt have been applied with a view to minimizing the effects of ischemia, but the effects of these strategies remain controversial. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of lidocaine against myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury. Twenty-one pigs were assigned to three groups, each consisting of seven pigs. In the control group, using a left internal thoracic artery (LITA) bypass circuit, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 45 min followed by two hours of reperfusion. In the IP group, five min of occlusion followed by 15 min of reperfusion was performed. In the lidocaine group, 2 mg/kg of lidocaine was administered directly into the LAD just before the LAD occlusion. Infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk was significantly smaller in the lidocaine group (2.7+/-4.2%) than in the control group (79.9+/-6.0%, p<0.001) or the IP group (57.0+/-25.9%, p<0.001). Lidocaine exhibited a potent myocardial protective effect in the present OPCABG model.