Bilateral versus Single Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting Strategies Supplemented by Radial Artery Grafting

Purpose@#It is unclear if a second or third arterial graft can improve clinical outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We compared the outcomes of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) plus radial artery (RA) grafting versus left internal thoracic artery (LITA) plus RA grafting after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. @*Materials and Methods@#Between January 2009 and December 2020, a total of 3007 patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass were analyzed. Among them, 971 patients received total arterial grafting using LITA. We divided the patients into two groups [group A, BITA+RA grafting (n=227) and group B, LITA+RA grafting (n=744)], and compared the survival and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates between the two groups at 10 years. @*Results@#After risk adjustment with inverse probability treatment weighting methods, the freedom from all-cause mortality was 93.1% and 88.3% in groups A and B, respectively (p=0.140). The freedom from MACCE rates were 68.3% and 89.0%, respectively (p<0.0001). LITA plus RA grafting [hazard ratio (HR): 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.37, p=0.025] and incomplete revascularization (HR 1.2, 95% CI: 0.70–2.15, p=0.046) were significant risk factors for MACCEs in multivariable Cox regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#The rates of MACCEs were lower with LITA plus RA grafting than with BITA plus RA grafting in total arterial revascularization. Furthermore, complete revascularization improved long-term outcomes following total arterial grafting.

Hemodynamic management during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a narrative review of proper targets for safe execution and troubleshooting / 대한마취과학회지

Off-pump coronary surgery requires mechanical cardiac displacement, which results in bi-ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Although transient, subsequent hemodynamic deterioration can be associated with poor prognosis and, in extreme cases, emergency conversion to on-pump surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, appropriate decision-making regarding whether the surgery can be proceeded based on objective hemodynamic targets is essential before coronary arteriotomy. For adequate hemodynamic management, avoiding myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance, which includes maintaining mean arterial pressure above 70 mmHg and preventing an increase in oxygen demand beyond the patient’s coronary reserve, must be prioritized. Maintaining mixed venous oxygen saturation above 60%, which reflects the lower limit of adequate global oxygen supply-demand balance, is also essential. Above all, severe mechanical cardiac displacement incurring compressive syndromes, which cannot be overcome by adjusting major determinants of cardiac output, should be avoided. An uncompromising form of cardiac constraint can be ruled out as long as the central venous pressure is not equal to or greater than the pulmonary artery diastolic (or occlusion) pressure, as this would reflect tamponade physiology. In addition, transesophageal echocardiography should be conducted to rule out mechanical cardiac displacement-induced ventricular interdependence, dyskinesia, severe mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with or without systolic motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, which cannot be tolerated during grafting. Finally, the ascending aorta should be carefully inspected for gas bubbles to prevent hemodynamic collapse caused by a massive gas embolism obstructing the right coronary ostium.

Concomitant Wrapping of a Moderately Dilated Ascending Aorta during Aortic Valve Replacement: Postoperative Remodeling of a Distinctive Aorta

Effect of Rosuvastatin on Bovine Pericardial Aortic Tissue Valve Calcification in a Rat Subdermal Implantation Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are pathophysiologic similarities between calcification and atherosclerosis because both are the product of an active inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of statin treatment on calcification in bovine pericardial tissue valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups according to hypercholesterolemia induction and statin intake (Group 1, n=10: normal diet without statin treatment, Group 2, n=10: normal diet with statin treatment, Group 3, n=10: high fat diet without statin treatment, Group 4, n=10: high fat diet with statin treatment). Serum lipid levels were measured just before the experiment and after 4 and 12 weeks. Bovine pericardial tissue valve cusps were surgically implanted in rat dorsal subcutis at 4 weeks. After the surgery, statin was administered daily to Groups 2 and 4. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level was measured at 5 weeks. Cusps were explanted at 12 weeks and calcium levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Mean IL-6 was significantly higher in Group 3 at 5 weeks (7.14, 2.03, 31.70, and 6.90 pg/dL for each group, respectively). Mean calcium level in Group 3 was significantly higher among groups but Group 4 was significantly lower compared to Group 3 and was similar to Group 1, 2 (1.86, 1.92, 2.55, and 1.80 mg/g for each group, respectively, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypercholesterolemia may be a significant risk factor for bovine pericardial valve calcification. Statin treatment significantly attenuated calcification of bovine pericardial valve tissue in a rat subdermal implantation model and might prolong the durability of bioprostheses.

Effect of Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch in Aortic Position on Late-Onset Tricuspid Regurgitation and Clinical Outcomes after Double Valve Replacement

PURPOSE: Significant late-onset tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is unfortunately common after double valve replacement (DVR); however, its underlying factors remain undefined. We evaluated the effect of aortic patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) on late-onset TR and clinical outcomes after DVR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 2392 consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve replacement between January 1990 and May 2014 at our institution, we retrospectively studied 462 patients who underwent DVR (excluding concomitant tricuspid valvular annuloplasty or replacement). Survival and freedom from grade >3 TR were compared between PPM (n=152) and non-PPM (n=310) groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Although the overall survival rates were similar between the two groups at 5 and 10 years (95%, 91% vs. 96%, 93%, p=0.412), grade >3 TR-free survival was significantly lower in the PPM group (98%, 91% vs. 99%, 95%, p=0.014). Small body-surface area, atrial fibrillation, PPM, and subaortic pannus were risk factors for TR progression. However, aortic prosthesis size and trans-valvular pressure gradient were not significant factors for either TR progression or overall survival. CONCLUSION: Aortic PPM in DVR, regardless of mitral prosthesis size, was associated with late TR progression, but was not significantly correlated with overall survival. Therefore, we recommend careful echocardiographic follow-up for the early detection of TR progression in patients with aortic PPM in DVR.

Endovascular Repair versus Open Repair for Isolated Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with those of open repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the outcomes of 114 patients with DTAA and proximal landing zones 3 or 4 after TEVAR to those of 53 patients after conventional open repairs. Thirty-day and late mortality were the primary endpoints, and early morbidities, aneurysm-related death, and re-intervention were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The TEVAR group was older and had more incidences of dissecting aneurysm. The mean follow-up was 36+/-26 months (follow-up rate, 97.8%). The 30-day mortality in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 3.5% and 9.4% (p=0.11). Perioperative stroke and paraplegia incidences were similar between the groups [5.3% vs. 7.5% (p=0.56) and 7.5% vs. 3.5% (p=0.26), respectively]. Respiratory failure occurred more in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 26.4%, p<0.01). The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was higher in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 9.4%, p<0.01). The cumulative survival rate was higher in the TEVAR group at 2 to 5 years (79.6% vs. 58.3%, p=0.03). The free from re-intervention was lower in the TEVAR group (65.3% vs. 100%, p=0.02), and the free from aneurysm-related death in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 88.5% and 86.1% (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: TEVAR is safe and effective for treating DTAAs with improved perioperative and long-term outcomes compared with open repair.

Early and Midterm Outcome of Redo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: On-Pump versus Off-Pump Bypass

BACKGROUND: Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still associated with increased morbidity and mortality as compared to the first-time operation. Further, the application of the off-pump technique to redo CABG is limited due to technical difficulties. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze early and midterm results after redo CABG and compare the outcome of redo on-pump and off-pump CABG. METHODS: From June 1996 to October 2011, elective redo CABG was performed in 32 patients. Mean age was 64.8 years (on pump 64.3 years vs. off pump 65.5 years; p=0.658), and 21 patients were male. Among these patients, 14 (43.8%) underwent on-pump CABG, and 18 (56.2%) underwent off-pump CABG. RESULTS: Internal thoracic artery was used in 22 patients (68.8%), and total arterial revascularization was achieved in 17 patients (53.1%). The average number of distal anastomoses was 2.13, and the rate of incomplete revascularization was 43.8%. The rate of total arterial revascularization was higher in the off-pump group (14.3% vs. 83.3%, p<0.001), and the use of saphenous vein graft was more in the on-pump group (78.6% vs. 16.7%, p<0.001). Overall hospital mortality was 3.1% (n=1) and was comparable in both groups (on pump 7.1% vs. off pump 0%; p=0.249). Postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients (64.2%), and the rate of complications was high in the on-pump group without statistical significance (64.2% vs. 33.3%, p=0.082). The mean follow-up duration was 5.4 years, and overall survival at 10 years was 86.0%+/-10.5%. There was no significant difference in the 10-year survival rate between the two groups (79.6% vs. 100%, p=0.225). CONCLUSION: Redo CABG can be safely performed with acceptable mortality. Redo off-pump coronary artery bypass is feasible with low mortality and morbidity, comparable target vessel bypass grafting, and long-term survival. The off-pump technique might be considered a safe option for redo CABG in high-risk patients.

Comparison of Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Composite Y Grafts during Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of arterial composite grafts for total arterial revascularization have been demonstrated. The saphenous vein (SV) is a widely used graft because of its accessibility, sufficient length, and ease of manipulation. Our aim was to compare mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts with radial artery Y-grafts joined by anastomosis to the left internal thoracic artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with composite Y-grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery technique in 552 patients were analyzed retrospectively. After propensity score matching, 79 radial arterial (RA) composite grafts (RA group) and 79 saphenous vein composite grafts (SV group) were compared. The duration of mean follow-up was 24.6+/-14.6 months (range, 1 to 55 months). RESULTS: There were no differences in surgical mortality, all-cause mortality, or morbidity among the groups. Rates of 4-year survival were 91.7% and 96.3% in the RA and SV groups, respectively (p=0.519). The coronary reintervention-free survival rate and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were similar in the two groups (p=0.685, p=0.564). CONCLUSION: Construction of composite Y-grafts using the radial artery or saphenous vein showed similar mid-term results. Long-term follow-up and randomized trials will be needed to confirm our present conclusions.

Effect of Postoperative Constrictive Physiology on Early Outcomes after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis after coronary artery bypass surgery has been known to affect cardiac output by limiting diastolic ventricular filling. We aimed to assess the influence of postoperative constrictive physiology on the early outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and July 2011, 903 patients underwent an isolated OPCAB and postoperative transthoracic-echocardiography. The patient cohort was classified into two groups: group A, constrictive physiology and group B, control group without constrictive physiology. Early outcomes were analyzed between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the total 903 patients, group A consisted of 153 patients (16.9%). The amount of blood loss in group A during the postoperative 24 hours was greater than that of group B, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.20). No significant differences were found in the mortality rates (group A, 0.6%; group B, 1.4%; p=0.40) and 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs; group A, 3.3%; group B, 6.1%; p=0.42). CONCLUSION: Postoperative constrictive physiology does not affect 30-day MACCEs or other major complications after OPCAB. The results of this study suggest that patients with early postoperative constrictive physiology do not need medical or surgical treatment, and that conservative care is sufficient.

Clinical Experience with the Bentall Procedure: 28 Years

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed 28 years of experience with the Bentall procedure in patients with aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aortic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1982 and December 2010, a total of 218 patients underwent the Bentall procedure using a composite valved conduit. The "inclusion technique" was used in 30 patients (13.8%), the "open-button technique" in 181 patients (83.0%), and the Cabrol technique in 7 patients (3.2%). RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 5.5% (12/218). The mean follow-up duration was 108.0+/-81.0 months (range: 1-329 months). Seven patients required re-operation, and 1 patient required stent graft insertion at the descending thoracic aorta for progression of aortic arch or descending thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm after the first operation, and 5 of them had Marfan syndrome. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 years were 90.4%, 82.7%, 77.6%, 65.3%, and 60.3%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation rates at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 years were 99.0%, 98.3%, 95.5%, 90.8%, and 90.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the Bentall procedure provided optimal survival with improved functional status. The disease of the aorta may progress, especially in patients with Marfan syndrome. Therefore, careful follow-up with regular computed tomography angiograms should be performed in these patients.

Comparison of the Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein as Composite Grafts in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Arterial grafts have a better long-term patency rate than saphenous vein (SV) when used in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). However, arterial grafts in elderly patients are often diseased. We sought to compare the early outcomes achieved by using the two different types of composite grafts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized trial to compare radial artery (RA) and SV composite grafts based on the in situ left internal mammary artery in 60 elderly (>70 years old) patients, who were scheduled to undergo OPCAB. Clinical outcomes and 1-year postoperative CT angiography results were compared. The quality of the conduit was evaluated by employing vascular ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histologic examination. RESULTS: No differences in immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality were observed between the two groups. Early postoperative CT angiography revealed a SV patency rate of 100%, which was not different from that of RA composite grafts (99.1%). CT angiography after a year showed an overall patency rate of 96.3%. The overall patency rate of the SV group at 1 year was 94.7%, which was similar to that of the RA group (97.4%). Also, there was no difference in overall survival rate between the two groups. Vascular ultrasonographic images showed strong correlations between OCT and histopathology. CONCLUSION: Our analysis of early outcomes revealed that the SV could be used as an alternative composite graft to the RA in elderly patients. Vascular ultrasonography is an accurate, real-time, and reproducible method for assessing the quality of the RA conduit.

Long Term Results of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction versus Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Propensity Score Matching Analysis

There is no consensus as to which acute myocardial infarction subtype poses a greater risk after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We compared the early and the long term results of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) between patients with STEMI (group I, n = 83), and NSTEMI (group II, n = 237). Group I had higher EuroSCORE, prevalence of emergency surgery, preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump use, preoperative emergency percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and preoperative thrombolytic use than group II. There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) between groups. Overall 8-yr survival was 93% and 87% in groups I and II, respectively. Freedom from MACCE after 8 yr was 92% and 93% in groups I and II, respectively. After propensity score matching analysis, there were no significant differences in preoperative parameters, postoperative in-hospital outcomes, and long-term clinical outcomes. Surgical results of OPCAB in patients with acute myocardial infarction show good results in terms of long-term survival and freedom from MACCE, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes between STEMI and NSTEMI groups.

Impact of High-Dose Statin Pretreatment in Patients with Stable Angina during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass

BACKGROUND: Periprocedural treatment with high-dose statins is known to have cardioprotective and pleiotropic effects, such as anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory actions. We aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose rosuvastatin loading in patients with stable angina undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients with stable angina who were scheduled to undergo surgical myocardial revascularization were randomized to receive either pre-treatment with 60-mg rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin group, n=71) or no pre-treatment (control group, n=71) before OPCAB. The primary endpoint was the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The secondary endpoint was the change in the degree of myocardial ischemia as evaluated with creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and troponin T (TnT). RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences in preoperative risk factors or operative strategy. MACEs within 30 days after OPCAB occurred in one patient (1.4%) in the rosuvastatin group and four patients (5.6%) in the control group, respectively (p=0.37). Preoperative CK-MB and TnT were not different between the groups. After OPCAB, the mean maximum CK-MB was significantly higher in the control group (rosuvastatin group 10.7+/-9.75 ng/mL, control group 14.6+/-12.9 ng/mL, p=0.04). Furthermore, the mean levels of maximum TnT were significantly higher in the control group (rosuvastatin group 0.18+/-0.16 ng/mL, control group 0.39+/-0.70 ng/mL, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that high-dose rosuvastatin loading before OPCAB surgery did not result in a significant reduction of 30-day MACEs. However, high-dose rosuvastatin reduced myocardial ischemia after OPCAB.

Surgical Management of Coexisting Coronary Artery and Valvular Heart Disease

PURPOSE: Combined coronary artery bypass (CAB) and valve surgery is one of the most challenging surgical procedures, but the operative results have improved over the years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 through 2004, combined CAB and valve operations were performed in 125 patients. Mean age was 63 years, and 86 patients were male. Forty-six patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease during preoperative evaluation for valvular heart disease (VHD). All patients underwent CAB, and one or more underwent valve replacement or repair (mitral: 54, aortic: 61, tricuspid: 3, DVR: 7) simultaneously. RESULTS: Mean number of distal graft was 1.98 +/- 1.07, and LIMA was used in 68% of patients. Early mortality occurred in 6 patients (4.8%), and the causes were heart failure (4) and sepsis (2). Mean follow-up duration was 91.4 +/- 40.9 months (range: 47-245), and late mortality occurred in 4 patients. Kaplan Meier estimated survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 94.4%, 92.3%, and 89.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined coronary and valve operations can be performed safely with optimal surgical results. Although the surgical mortality of coexisting coronary and VHD is higher than either isolated coronary or valvular operations, it may not affect the long-term survival.

Surgical Management of Coexisting Coronary Artery and Valvular Heart Disease

PURPOSE: Combined coronary artery bypass (CAB) and valve surgery is one of the most challenging surgical procedures, but the operative results have improved over the years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 through 2004, combined CAB and valve operations were performed in 125 patients. Mean age was 63 years, and 86 patients were male. Forty-six patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease during preoperative evaluation for valvular heart disease (VHD). All patients underwent CAB, and one or more underwent valve replacement or repair (mitral: 54, aortic: 61, tricuspid: 3, DVR: 7) simultaneously. RESULTS: Mean number of distal graft was 1.98 +/- 1.07, and LIMA was used in 68% of patients. Early mortality occurred in 6 patients (4.8%), and the causes were heart failure (4) and sepsis (2). Mean follow-up duration was 91.4 +/- 40.9 months (range: 47-245), and late mortality occurred in 4 patients. Kaplan Meier estimated survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 94.4%, 92.3%, and 89.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined coronary and valve operations can be performed safely with optimal surgical results. Although the surgical mortality of coexisting coronary and VHD is higher than either isolated coronary or valvular operations, it may not affect the long-term survival.

Earlier Application of Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support Rescues Patients from Severe Cardiopulmonary Failure Using the APACHE III Scoring System

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) is a widely accepted treatment for severe cardiopulmonary failure. This system, which uses a percutaneous approach and autopriming devices, can be rapidly applied in emergency situations. We sought to identify the risk factors that could help predict in-hospital mortality, and to assess its outcomes in survivors. During a 2-yr period, 50 patients underwent PCPS for the treatment of severe cardiopulmonary failure, and of those, 22 (44%) were classified as survivors and 28 (56%) as non-survivors. We compared the 2 groups for risk factors of in-hospital mortality and to establish proper PCPS timing. Twenty patients underwent PCPS for acute myocardial infarction, 20 for severe cardiopulmonary failure after cardiac surgery, 7 for acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 3 for acute myocarditis. Multivariate analysis showed that an acute physiology, age, and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score > or =50 prior to PCPS was the only significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (P=0.001). Overall 18-month survival was 42.2%. Cox analysis showed patients with APACHE III scores > or =50 had a poor prognosis (P=0.001). Earlier application of PCPS, and other preemptive strategies designed to optimize high-risk patients, may improve patient outcomes. Identifying patients with high APACHE scores at the beginning of PCPS may predict in-hospital mortality. Survivors, particularly those with higher APACHE scores, may require more frequent follow-up to improve overall survival.

Open Pulmonary Thromboembolectomy in Patients with Major Pulmonary Thromboembolism

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed open pulmonary thromboembolectomy in patients with acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1990 and May 2005, 12 consecutive patients with acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism underwent open pulmonary thromboembolectomy at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center. Their mean age was 47.5 years, and 7 of the patients were female. Among 12 patients, 5 had acute onset, and 7 had chronic disease, and 9 patients were associated with deep venous thrombosis. Extent of pulmonary embolism was massive in 3 patients with hemodynamic instability, and submassive in 8 patients. Preoperative echocardiogram revealed elevated right ventricular pressure in all patients, and 7 patients were in NYHA functional class III or IV. Pulmonary thromboembolectomy was performed in all patients under total circulatory arrest. RESULTS: There were 2 hospital deaths (16.7%). Among the patients who survived, mean right ventricular pressure was decreased significantly from 64.3mmHg to 34.0mmHg with improvement of NYHA functional class. CONCLUSION: Open pulmonary thromboembolectomy is thought to be an immediate and definitive treatment for massive pulmonary embolism with optimal results. Even though operative mortality is still high, early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention in highly selective patients may improve the clinical outcome.

Effect of Intracoronary Shunt on Right Ventricular Function During Off-pump Grafting of Dominant Right Coronary Artery with Poor Collateral

Although numerous studies have validated the efficacy of intracoronary shunt on reducing left ventricular dysfunction during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB), there is lack of evidence supporting its role on right ventricular (RV) function during right coronary artery (RCA) revascularization. Therefore, we studied the effect of intracoronary shunt during grafting of dominant RCA without visible collateral supply on global RV function using thermodilution method. Forty patients scheduled for multivessel OPCAB with right dominant coronary circulation without collateral supply confirmed by angiography were randomized to RCA revascularization either with a shunt (n=20) or soft snare occlusion (n=20). RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was recorded at baseline, during RCA grafting, and 15 min after reperfusion. Corresponding RV stroke work index (RVSWI) was calculated. RVEF and RVSWI decreased significantly during RCA grafting and returned to baseline values after reperfusion in both groups without any significant differences between the groups. Intracoronary shunt did not exert any beneficial effect on global RV function during RCA grafting, even in the absence of visible collateral supply. Regarding the possibility of graft failure by intracoronary shunt-induced endothelial damage, routine use of intracoronary shunt during RCA grafting is not recommended in patients with preserved biventricular function.

Assessment of Parameters Measured with Volumetric Pulmonary Artery Catheter as Predictors of Fluid Responsiveness in Patients with Coronary Artery Occlusive Disease / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of the preload and the fluid responsiveness is of great importance for optimizing cardiac output, especially in those patients with coronary artery occlusive disease (CAOD). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the parameters of preload with the changes in the stroke volume index (SVI) after fluid loading in patients who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to find the predictors of fluid responsiveness in order to assess the feasibility of using certain parameters of preload as a guide to fluid therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 96 patients who were undergoing CABG. After induction of anesthesia, the hemodynamic parameters were measured before (T1) and 10 min after volume replacement (T2) by an infusion of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (10 mL/kg) over 20 min. RESULT: The right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI), as well as the central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), failed to demonstrate significant correlation with the changes in the SVI (%). Only the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measured at T1 showed significant correlation with the changes of the SVI by linear regression (r=0.272, p=0.017). However, when the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was evaluated, none of the parameters were over 0.7. The volume-induced increase in the SVI was 10% or greater in 31 patients (responders) and under 10% in 65 patients (non-responders). None of the parameters of preload measured at T1 showed a significant difference between the responders and non-responders, except for the RVEF. CONCLUSION: The conventional parameters measured with a volumetric pulmonary artery catheter failed to predict the response of SVI following fluid administration in patients suffering with CAOD.

Clinical Outcome of Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting after Failed Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is occasionally required for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients receiving emergency CABG after failed PTCA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 1988 and May 2005, 5712 patients underwent PTCA, where 84 (1.4%) failed. 27 patients underwent emergency CABG after failed PTCA. The mean age was 63.7+/-8.9 (46~80) years, with 14 male patients (51.9%). RESULT: All patients underwent emergent surgical revascularization within 6 hours. 22 patients underwent conventional CABG and 5 underwent off-pump CABG. The causes of PTCA failure were coronary obstruction due to new thrombi formation during the procedure (n=4), coronary dissection (n=17), coronary artery rupture (n=3) and 3 due to other causes. The rate of in-hospital operative mortality after emergent operation was 18.5% (5/27). A univariate analysis revealed that patients who died more often had left anterior descending artery disease, a preprocedural shock status, postoperative use of multiple isotropics and postoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump. The mean follow up duration was 53.6+/-63.4 months. CONCLUSION: Although PTCA is known to be life saving, there is still a high risk for morbidity and mortality following emergency CABG after failed PTCA, despite the advancement in PTCA techniques. This result will help identify and more effectively treat patients selected for PTCA when emergency CABG is required.