Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery for the treatment of left main with triple coronary artery disease

Objective:To obtain early results of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCAB) in patients with significant left main coro- nary artery(LMCA) and triple vessels stenosis by comparing with those of a similar group undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass surgery(CCAB). Methods:Data for patients with significant LMCA and triple vessels stenosis who underwent CCAB or OPCAB were collected retrospectively between January 1999 and May 2006. Non-randomized, retrospective data analysis included demo- graphic and preoperative risk factors, operative details, clinical outcome and early follow-up. Results: The number of distal anastomo- sis and grafts varied from 3 to 6. The average number per patient was similar in the two groups (OPCAB group:3.76± 0.98, CCAB group:3.81± 1.02). Thirty-day mortality occurred to one patient in the OPCAB group whereas two early deaths were observed in the CCAB group but did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF), IABP usage, mediastinitis, re-operation for bleeding (or tamponade) were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative inotropic requirements, peak CK- MB, ventilation time, blood loss, FFP, RBC transfusion need and the length of ICU-stay were all significantly lower in the OPCAB group compared with CCAB group(P < 0.05).Conclusion: Significant LMCA and triple-vessel stenosis can safely and effectively undergo myocardial revascularization using OPCAB surgery. LMCA should no longer be seen as a contraindication to perform OPCAB grafting.