Objective: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (off-pump CABG) after off-pump coronary endarterectomy (CE) for myocardial revascularization is a way to rescue the patients with diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD). This study retrospectively analyzed its clinical outcomes and experiences, and explored the safety and effectiveness.
Methods: From October 2003 to December 2008, 177 diffuse CAD patients with 229 vascular lesions received off-pump CABG plus CE. Incision was made at the hardest part of coronary artery and ≥ 2 cm from the distal intervention site. Then bypass graft was performed by internal mammary artery or saphenous vein.
Results: The intra-operative blood tests showed that 215 (93.9%) bridges were satisfied with (27 ± 12) ml/min blood flow while 14 bridges were dissatisfied. The blood flow was (7 ± 4) ml/min. Six (3.4%) cases suffered peri-operative myocardial infarction. Among them, 3 patients had no significant cardiac hemodynamic changes. Three suffered a low cardiac output and improved by intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation support. And they were then discharged after treatment. After 3 - 40 months, 98 patients underwent coronary angiography to measure the graft latency. And the blood flow was excellent.
Conclusions: Off-pump CABG plus CE for diffuse coronary artery disease is both feasible and safe. And it is an effective treatment with a high degree of vascularization.