Prediction of the excessive perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: role of aspirin and platelet glycoprotein IIIa polymorphism.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of the glycoprotein IIIa allele PlA2 is associated with enhanced thrombin formation and an impaired antithrombotic action of aspirin, which could favor coronary thrombosis. We wondered whether PlA1/A2 genetic polymorphism could affect the postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We also aimed to assess the effects of aspirin pretreatment and to ascertain the value of platelet function studies as predictors of postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study, patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were pretreated with a 150-mg dose of aspirin orally 12 and 3 hours before surgery (n = 51, 41 elective) or with placebo (n = 51, 43 elective). The hemostasis was monitored by Simplate (bioMérieux, Inc, Durham, NC) bleeding time and capillary closure time (platelet function analyzer PFA 100; Sysmex UK Ltd, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom). Postoperative bleeding and blood products transfusions were recorded. The glycoprotein IIIa polymorphism was analyzed. RESULTS: Bleeding was significantly greater in PlA1 homozygotes from control group. Blood loss was significantly greater (by 25%) in aspirin group. The volume of blood products transfusions in aspirin patients was significantly larger (by 137%). When subjects were stratified accordingly to blood platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa genotype, in the aspirin group PlA2 carriers had greater blood loss than PlA1 homozygotes (1858 +/- 932 mL vs 1216 +/- 525 mL, P < .05). CONCLUSION: PlA1 homozygotes normally had a greater risk of perioperative bleeding. Capillary closure time had no advantage relative to Simplate bleeding time in predicting postoperative blood loss. Aspirin pretreatment revealed no beneficial effects and resulted in increased postoperative bleeding and requirement for blood product transfusions after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with stable angina. It was most unfavorable for PlA2 carriers.

Minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting--comparison of three less invasive methods.

INTRODUCTION: Saphenous vein is routinely harvested using one or a few long continuous skin incisions. This method is associated with typical healing complications such as oedemas, pain, necrosis, what often restricts proper rehabilitation. An alternative minimally invasive techniques may decrease these complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomised trial compared outcomes associated with saphenous vein harvested using three minimally invasive techniques versus a traditional longitudinal incision. RESULTS: In the less invasive group we observed statistically significant improvement in all estimated parameters of wound healing, oedemas and pain. We present also costs analysis between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that less invasive techniques of saphenous vein harvesting may be alternatively introduced in coronary bypass surgery.

The use of exogenous creatine phosphate for myocardial protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

A key component in the development of ischemic functional and structural myocardial injury during cardiosurgical procedures is an inadequate cellular energy supply which occurs as a consequence of the cessation of oxidative metabolism. In such conditions high energy phosphates are rapidly depleted. As they play a critical role in the maintenance of cell viability and postischemic recovery of contractile function, their conservation is therefore a primary objective in any procedure designed to reduce ischemic injury. Exogenous administration of phosphocreatine (CP) has been suggested as being beneficial to the ischemic heart. The aim of present study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effect of exogenous CP during coronary artery surgery (CABG). Forty patients undergoing CABG procedure were randomly assigned to receive creatine phosphate-enriched (group I) or standard-St. Thomas' Hospital (group II) cardioplegic solution; each group comprised 20 patients. Group I received: 6.0 g of exogenous CP (Neoton) daily in two 20-min intravenous infusions during 3 days preoperatively; during surgical procedure they were administered standard cardioplegic solution enriched in CP at the concentration of 10 mmol/l and -- 2 days postoperatively -- 4.0 g CP daily in two intravenous injections. Group II did not receive CP at all In both groups were analysed. Haemodynamic parameters. Continuous 48-h ECG recording (Holter monitoring) outcome. Laboratory values of serum CK and CK-MB. Inotropic support required (drugs, mechanical support). Ultrastructural findings (biopsy data). Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's "t"-test and the chi2 test. Values of p<0.05 were taken as the criterion of significant difference. The results of the study were: Significantly lower average number and energy of DC-shocks needed to restore cardiac function after cardiopulmonary bypass procedure in group 1. Statistically significant beneficial effect on the presence of ventricular arrhythmias during surgery and in early postoperative period in group I. Significantly lower requirements for inotropic drugs postoperatively in group I. Statistically significant lower degree of sarcolemmal damages in myocardial biopsies in group I. Concluding, the authors wish to state that: Exogenous phosphocreatine (Neoton) perioperative administration in coronary artery bypass patients reduced the need for inotropic drugs, which is clinically manifested in lower frequency of low cardiac output syndrome. Perioperative administration of exogenous CP improves electrophysiological stability of the myocardium. Advantageous clinical and electrophysiological effect of exogenous CP may result from its properties to protect sarcolemma of the cardiomyocytes.