Delawer Reber

Beating-Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Miniaturized Cardiopulmonary Bypass Results in a More Complete Revascularization When Compared to Off-Pump Grafting

The technique of miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (M-CPB) for beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is relatively new and has potential advantages when compared to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). M-CPB consists of less tubing length and requires less priming volume. The system is phosphorylcholine coated and results in minimal pump-related inflammatory response and organ injury. Finally, this technique combines the advantages of the off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with the better exposure provided by CPB to facilitate complete revascularization. The hypothesis is that CABG with M-CPB has a better outcome in terms of complete coronary revascularization and perioperative results as that compared to off-pump CABG (OPCAB). In a retrospective study, 302 patients underwent beating-heart CABG, 117 (39%) of them with the use of M-CPB and 185 (61%) with OPCAB. After propensity score matching 62 patients in both groups were demographically similar. The most important intra- and early-postoperative parameters were analyzed. Endpoints were hospital mortality and complete revascularization. Hospital mortality was comparable between the groups. The revascularization was significantly more complete in M-CPB patients than in patients in the OPCAB group. Beating-heart CABG with M-CPB is a safe procedure and it provides an optimal operative exposure with significantly more complete coronary revascularization when compared to OPCAB. Beating-heart CABG with the support of a M-CPB is the operation of choice when total coronary revascularization is needed.

[Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Comparison of 270 case-matched elderly patients].

Ob sich durch die „Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass“ – Chirurgie die perioperative Morbidität und Mortalität senken lässt, ist noch immer eine kontrovers geführte Diskussion. Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht die Ergebnisse von älteren Patienten, die mit bzw. ohne Herz–Lungen–Maschine (HLM) operiert wurden. Von 1998–2002 wurden alle Bypass-Patienten die 75 Jahre und älter waren, retrospektiv aufgearbeitet. Dabei wurde entsprechend dem Euroscore und der Zahl der befallenen Gefäße eine paarweise Zuordnung vorgenommen. Die statistische Analyse erfolgte mit Student’s t–Test und Chi–Quadrat–Test. 270 Bypass–Patienten wurden aufgenommen: 135 wurden ohne und 135 mit HLM operiert. Das mittlere Alter für die Off–pump– bzw. On–pump–Gruppe lag bei 78,4 ± 3,1 versus 77,5 ± 2,9 Jahren. Der EuroSCORE lag bei 7,11 ± 2,3 in beiden Gruppen; die Zahl distaler Anastomosen pro Patient bei 1,7 ± 0,74 versus 3,1 ± 0,63 (p < 0,001) und die Operationszeit bei 138 versus 177 Minuten (p < 0,001). Bei den postoperativen Komplikationen ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede: Die Krankenhaus–Mortalität lag bei 3 versus 3,7%. Ein neu aufgetretenes Nierenversagen zeigte sich in 8,9% versus 12,1%, ein akuter Myokardinfarkt in 1,5 versus 4,4% und zentralneurologische Ereignisse in 0 versus 1,5%. Die Zahl der transfundierten Blutkonserven lag bei 2,6 ± 2,8 versus 4,6 ± 5,3 (p < 0,001). Die Intubationszeit sowie der Aufenthalt auf der Intensivstation waren in beiden Gruppen gleich. Im untersuchten Patientenkollektiv (≥ 75 Jahre) konnte durch das OPCAB–Verfahren keine Reduktion der perioperativen Morbidität und Mortalität erzielt werden. Offpump versus on–pump coronary artery bypass surgery: it still remains a matter of debate which method results in a lower incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This case–matched study evaluates the outcome of elderly patients in both groups. All patients aged 75 and older, who underwent CABG from 1998 to 2002, were examined retrospectively. They were matched according to Euroscore and the number of diseased vessels. The Student’s t–test and chi–square test were used where appropriate. 270 CABG patients were considered: 135 off–pump and 135 on–pump patients. Mean age was 78.4 ± 3.1 versus 77.5 ± 2.9 years, respectively. EuroSCORE was 7.11 ± 2.3 in both groups; number of distal anastomoses per patient 1.7 ± 0.74 versus 2.6 ± 0.63 (p < 0.001), operation time 138 versus 177 minutes (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including hospital mortality 3.0 versus 3.7%, renal failure 8.9 versus 12.1% (new onset), acute myocardial infarction 1.5 versus 4.4% and cerebral events 0 versus 1.5%, respectively. The number of transfused packed cells was 2.6 ± 2.8 versus 4.6 ± 5.3 (p < 0.001). Intubation time and ICU stay were similar in both groups. OPCAB is not associated with a reduction of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients aged 75 and older.

Early outcome after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: effect on mortality and stroke

OBJECTIVE One of the major and devastating complications of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the stroke. Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may reduce this neurological complication. In the past years there was an increased interest in the off-pump coronary artery grafting (OPCAB). The benefit of this method of revascularization in term of stroke and mortality is controversially discussed. METHODS A retrospective analysis of collected data from 252 patients were operated without cardiopulmonary bypass out of 1516 CABG procedures from January 2004 through May 2006. The mean age of the patient population was 70+/-11 years, within a range of 27-88 years. Forty-eight (19%) patients were older than 80 years and there were 172 (69%) males. Mean graft per patient was 1.78+/-0.79. The internal mammary artery (IMA) graft was used in 95% of the patients. For eight (3.17%) patients this was the second procedure. RESULTS Hospital mortality was 3.17%; Mean EuroSCORE in these patients was 10.36+/-6.67. No neurological complications occurred, six (2.38%) patients had temporary psycho syndrome. Postoperative myocardial infarction occurred in three (1.19%) patients. Two patients required rethoracotomy as a result of bleeding. Thirty-eight (15%) patients needed postoperative therapy for atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION CABG with OPCAB technique has the benefit of low mortality and morbidity in terms of stroke. The advantages of this technique depends on the patients general condition at the time of the operation, the sufficiency of pump function and coronary morphology, as well as on the surgeons experience.

Post pump chorea in a 77-year-old male

In this report, we present a case of a post pump chorea in a 77-year-old male after concomitant cardiac procedure. Since this complication usually occurs in children, to our knowledge, the presented patient is the eldest described in literature. We discuss a long aortic clamp, resp. pump time presumably as a risk factor in this case. The symptoms improved after treatment with tetrabenazine.

Beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting using a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation system.

BACKGROUND Experience with miniaturized coronary artery bypass (CAB) systems in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on the beating heart is limited. We used a relatively new miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system, which we termed assisted CAB (ACAB), to perform CABG on the beating heart in 110 patients, and we analyzed clinical outcomes in this patient group. METHODS Between January 2004 and September 2006, we used ACAB to perform CABG on the beating heart in 110 patients. The mean patient age was 73 +/- 8.1 years. The ACAB system uses a small prime volume of only 500 mL, and the circuit is shorter than that used in conventional CPB. In addition, the tubing and oxygenator systems were surface-coated with phosphorylcholine. The initial heparin dose was 150 IU/kg, with a target activated clotting time of >250 seconds. With this management, none of the patients experienced system thrombosis. We did not use cardioplegia or aortic crossclamping and did not routinely retransfuse cardiotomy blood. Observational data for the 110 patients were analyzed. RESULTS The mean number of anastomoses performed was 2.67. The rate of perioperative infarction was 1.8% (2 patients). Perioperative mortality was 7% (8 patients). The mean EuroSCORE for all patients was 6.4 +/- 4, whereas it was 13.75 +/- 6.18 for the patients who died. Mean CPB time was 64.96 +/- 16.66 minutes. CONCLUSION In our experience, beating heart CABG supported by a miniaturized CPB is a safe procedure with acceptable perioperative results.

Femoral vascular closure device: the surgical view.

This case report describes the surgical findings of a percutaneous closure device, which was used after diagnostic coronary angiography. The features of the device are described. Surgeons should be familiar with the existence of these devices to avoid complications during vascular access procedures at the level of the common femoral artery.

Subaortic valvular vegetation mimicking severe aortic valve stenosis.

For reprint information contact: Delawer Reber, MD Tel: 49 234 302 3600 Fax: 49 234 302 6010 Email: delawer.reber@ruhr-uni-bochum.de Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Hospital, Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz-1, 44789 Bochum, Germany. A 47-year-old male patient with symptoms of severe heart failure was diagnosed with aortic stenosis. Echocardiography showed normal systolic left ventricular function and an aortic valve with a peak transvalvular pressure gradient of 85 mm Hg and a valve area of 0.8 cm2. Cardiac catheterization showed a systolic pressure gradient of 101 mm Hg over the valve (area 0.54 cm2). Thus, the stenotic lesion of the aortic valve was considered to be severe. Prior to planned aortic valve replacement coronary angiography was performed which was normal. There was no history of sepsis preoperatively. Surgery was performed using extracorporeal circulation under mild hypothermia. During prima vista surgical exploration, trileafl et aortic valve was normal. The leafl ets were not thickened, fused or calcifi ed. However, a mass was found below the aortic valve closing the left ventricular outfl ow tract and somewhat attached to the aortic valve. The mass could be completely removed and the aortic valve was replaced with a bileafl et prosthetic mechanical heart valve. The postoperative re-evaluation and inspection of the preoperative left ventriculogram lastly confi rmed the subaortic mass (Figure 1) mimicking severe Figure 1. Preoperative left ventriculography with right (A) and left anterior oblique (B) projection of the heart. Note the mass (arrows) protruding in the ascending aorta. In retrospect, this subaortic mass was mimicking severe aortic valve stenosis. Ao asc = ascending aorta; LV = left ventricle.

Off?pump versus on?pump coronary artery bypass surgery@@@Aortokoronare Bypass?Operationen im Off? und On?pump?Verfahren: Vergleichende Studie mit 270 lteren Patienten: Comparison of 270 case?matched elderly patients

Ob sich durch die „Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass“ – Chirurgie die perioperative Morbidität und Mortalität senken lässt, ist noch immer eine kontrovers geführte Diskussion. Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht die Ergebnisse von älteren Patienten, die mit bzw. ohne Herz–Lungen–Maschine (HLM) operiert wurden. Von 1998–2002 wurden alle Bypass-Patienten die 75 Jahre und älter waren, retrospektiv aufgearbeitet. Dabei wurde entsprechend dem Euroscore und der Zahl der befallenen Gefäße eine paarweise Zuordnung vorgenommen. Die statistische Analyse erfolgte mit Student’s t–Test und Chi–Quadrat–Test. 270 Bypass–Patienten wurden aufgenommen: 135 wurden ohne und 135 mit HLM operiert. Das mittlere Alter für die Off–pump– bzw. On–pump–Gruppe lag bei 78,4 ± 3,1 versus 77,5 ± 2,9 Jahren. Der EuroSCORE lag bei 7,11 ± 2,3 in beiden Gruppen; die Zahl distaler Anastomosen pro Patient bei 1,7 ± 0,74 versus 3,1 ± 0,63 (p < 0,001) und die Operationszeit bei 138 versus 177 Minuten (p < 0,001). Bei den postoperativen Komplikationen ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede: Die Krankenhaus–Mortalität lag bei 3 versus 3,7%. Ein neu aufgetretenes Nierenversagen zeigte sich in 8,9% versus 12,1%, ein akuter Myokardinfarkt in 1,5 versus 4,4% und zentralneurologische Ereignisse in 0 versus 1,5%. Die Zahl der transfundierten Blutkonserven lag bei 2,6 ± 2,8 versus 4,6 ± 5,3 (p < 0,001). Die Intubationszeit sowie der Aufenthalt auf der Intensivstation waren in beiden Gruppen gleich. Im untersuchten Patientenkollektiv (≥ 75 Jahre) konnte durch das OPCAB–Verfahren keine Reduktion der perioperativen Morbidität und Mortalität erzielt werden. Offpump versus on–pump coronary artery bypass surgery: it still remains a matter of debate which method results in a lower incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This case–matched study evaluates the outcome of elderly patients in both groups. All patients aged 75 and older, who underwent CABG from 1998 to 2002, were examined retrospectively. They were matched according to Euroscore and the number of diseased vessels. The Student’s t–test and chi–square test were used where appropriate. 270 CABG patients were considered: 135 off–pump and 135 on–pump patients. Mean age was 78.4 ± 3.1 versus 77.5 ± 2.9 years, respectively. EuroSCORE was 7.11 ± 2.3 in both groups; number of distal anastomoses per patient 1.7 ± 0.74 versus 2.6 ± 0.63 (p < 0.001), operation time 138 versus 177 minutes (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including hospital mortality 3.0 versus 3.7%, renal failure 8.9 versus 12.1% (new onset), acute myocardial infarction 1.5 versus 4.4% and cerebral events 0 versus 1.5%, respectively. The number of transfused packed cells was 2.6 ± 2.8 versus 4.6 ± 5.3 (p < 0.001). Intubation time and ICU stay were similar in both groups. OPCAB is not associated with a reduction of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients aged 75 and older.

Aortokoronare Bypass–Operationen im Off– und On–pump–Verfahren: Vergleichende Studie mit 270 älteren Patienten

Ob sich durch die „Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass“ – Chirurgie die perioperative Morbidität und Mortalität senken lässt, ist noch immer eine kontrovers geführte Diskussion. Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht die Ergebnisse von älteren Patienten, die mit bzw. ohne Herz–Lungen–Maschine (HLM) operiert wurden. Von 1998–2002 wurden alle Bypass-Patienten die 75 Jahre und älter waren, retrospektiv aufgearbeitet. Dabei wurde entsprechend dem Euroscore und der Zahl der befallenen Gefäße eine paarweise Zuordnung vorgenommen. Die statistische Analyse erfolgte mit Student’s t–Test und Chi–Quadrat–Test. 270 Bypass–Patienten wurden aufgenommen: 135 wurden ohne und 135 mit HLM operiert. Das mittlere Alter für die Off–pump– bzw. On–pump–Gruppe lag bei 78,4 ± 3,1 versus 77,5 ± 2,9 Jahren. Der EuroSCORE lag bei 7,11 ± 2,3 in beiden Gruppen; die Zahl distaler Anastomosen pro Patient bei 1,7 ± 0,74 versus 3,1 ± 0,63 (p < 0,001) und die Operationszeit bei 138 versus 177 Minuten (p < 0,001). Bei den postoperativen Komplikationen ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede: Die Krankenhaus–Mortalität lag bei 3 versus 3,7%. Ein neu aufgetretenes Nierenversagen zeigte sich in 8,9% versus 12,1%, ein akuter Myokardinfarkt in 1,5 versus 4,4% und zentralneurologische Ereignisse in 0 versus 1,5%. Die Zahl der transfundierten Blutkonserven lag bei 2,6 ± 2,8 versus 4,6 ± 5,3 (p < 0,001). Die Intubationszeit sowie der Aufenthalt auf der Intensivstation waren in beiden Gruppen gleich. Im untersuchten Patientenkollektiv (≥ 75 Jahre) konnte durch das OPCAB–Verfahren keine Reduktion der perioperativen Morbidität und Mortalität erzielt werden. Offpump versus on–pump coronary artery bypass surgery: it still remains a matter of debate which method results in a lower incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This case–matched study evaluates the outcome of elderly patients in both groups. All patients aged 75 and older, who underwent CABG from 1998 to 2002, were examined retrospectively. They were matched according to Euroscore and the number of diseased vessels. The Student’s t–test and chi–square test were used where appropriate. 270 CABG patients were considered: 135 off–pump and 135 on–pump patients. Mean age was 78.4 ± 3.1 versus 77.5 ± 2.9 years, respectively. EuroSCORE was 7.11 ± 2.3 in both groups; number of distal anastomoses per patient 1.7 ± 0.74 versus 2.6 ± 0.63 (p < 0.001), operation time 138 versus 177 minutes (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including hospital mortality 3.0 versus 3.7%, renal failure 8.9 versus 12.1% (new onset), acute myocardial infarction 1.5 versus 4.4% and cerebral events 0 versus 1.5%, respectively. The number of transfused packed cells was 2.6 ± 2.8 versus 4.6 ± 5.3 (p < 0.001). Intubation time and ICU stay were similar in both groups. OPCAB is not associated with a reduction of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients aged 75 and older.