ObjectiveTo summarize the use of harmonic scalpel to harvest bilateral internal mammary artery in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsThe clinical data of 54 patients of bilateral skeletonized internal mammary artery harvesting for CABG in our hospital from January 2016 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 51 males and 3 females with a mean age of 62.37±9.56 years. ResultsAll patients went through the procedure unevently and discharged from hospital. The number of grafts was 4.07±0.85 per patient, the operation time was 267.21±47.00 min, mechanical ventilation time was 342.43±132.17 min and hospital stay was 12.21±4.43 d. ConclusionIt is safe and effective to use harmonic scalpel to harvest skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery in CABG.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of skeletonized left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsA total of 122 patients who underwent pure CABG were recruited in the study in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between January and April 2013. There were 77 males and 45 females with age of 41-76(62.8±10.5) years. They were randomly assigned to received CABG with skeletonized LIMAs (group A, 60 patients) or pedicle LIMAs (the group B, 62 patients) by random digital table. LIMAs were all anastomosised to the left anterior descending artery. ResultsThere was one patient failure in harvesting LIMA process in the group A and B respectively, and they were changed to saphenous vein grafts and excluded from the criteria. There were 2 and 3 patients of postoperative myocardial infarction in the group A and in the group B respectively, with incidence rate of 3.4% and 4.9% respectively (P > 0.05). One patient died in each group during hospitalization with hospital mortality rates of 1.7% and 1.6% respectively (P > 0.05). Complications such as mediastinal infection occurred zero and one patient in the group A and in the group B respectively (P > 0.05). LIMA harvesting time of the group A was statistically longer than that of the group B (30.7±7.2 min vs. 17.2±5.6 min, P < 0.05). In six months of follow-up after surgery, coronary CT showed patency rate of LIMA in the group A and in the group B was 96.8% and 100.0% respectively (P > 0.05). ConclusionThe recent effect of skeletonized LIMA as graft material in CABG is satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo introduce the method and preliminary experience of robot-assisted bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) harvesting for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) with 5 grafts via left anterolateral minithoracotomy.MethodsBIMA were harvested using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, and the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) was pulled out of the thoracic cavity through right second intercostal space. Intercepting the distal part of the RIMA for the BIMA composite Lima-Rima Y graft and anastomosing the great saphenous vein with remaining RIMA end to end. The Y graft anastomosed with left anterior descending (LAD) branch and diagonal branches (DIAG), artery-vein graft sequentially anastomosed with blunt round branch, left ventricular posterior branch and posterior descending branch.ResultsThe operation succeeded without hemodynamic instability and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation or cardiopulmonary bypass. The blood flow of Y graft was 24 mL/min, and the blood flow of artery-vein graft was 30 mL/min. Ventilator assistance time was 35 hours, ICU staying time was 62 hours, and postoperative myocardial enzymes increased temporarily. Postoperative coronary CTA showed that all the grafts were patency, and cardiac ultrasound indicated that the heart function was normal. The patient cured and discharged from hospital 7 days after operation.ConclusionRobot-assisted bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting for OPCAB with 5 grafts via left anterolateral minithoracotomy is feasible, which can achieve complete revascularization.
ObjectiveTo explore the independent risk factors for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to construct and preliminarily evaluate a risk prediction model for the decline of internal mammary artery bridges, optimizing postoperative risk stratification and management strategies for patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent CABG at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to January 2020. The primary endpoint was the failure of the internal mammary artery bridge one year after surgery, and the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) within five years after surgery, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization. Patients were divided into a failure group and a non-failure group based on whether there was early failure of the internal mammary artery bridge after surgery. Independent risk factors for the failure of the internal mammary artery bridge were explored through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression, and a failure risk prediction model was constructed and cross-validated. Patients were stratified for MACCE risk according to the total score of independent risk factors, and the 5-year cumulative MACCE-free rate was drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method. ResultsA total of 657 patients were included, among whom there were 54 patients in the failure group, including 38 males and 16 females, with an average age of (61.85±8.03) years; there were 603 patients in the non-failure group, including 467 males and 136 females, with an average age of (60.45±8.23) years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-left main lesion [OR=3.28, 95%CI (1.41, 7.62), P=0.006], pulsatility index (PI)>3.0 [OR=2.63, 95%CI (1.20, 5.75), P=0.016], quantitative flow ratio (QFR)>0.80 [OR=5.57, 95%CI (2.98, 10.41), P<0.001] and in-hospital complications [OR=4.02, 95%CI (1.59, 10.19), P=0.003] were independent risk factors for the failure of internal mammary artery grafts after CABG. Compared with the prediction model in previous literature [area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.632, 95%CI (0.561, 0.694)], the risk prediction model constructed with QFR>0.80, PI>3.0, non-left main lesion and in-hospital complications had a higher predictive ability for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts [area under curve: 0.758, 95%CI (0.694, 0.820); net reclassification index: 0.272, 95%CI (0.180, 0.370); comprehensive discriminative improvement index: 0.109, 95%CI (0.059, 0.158); P<0.05]. The risk score of independent risk factors for internal mammary artery graft failure demonstrated significant MACCE risk stratification efficiency in the 5-year patient follow-up, with the high-risk group showing a significantly higher incidence of MACCE compared to the medium and low-risk groups (P=0.001). ConclusionQFR>0.80, PI>3.0, non-left main lesions, and in-hospital complications are independent risk factors for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts after CABG. The constructed risk prediction model based on this has preliminary capabilities in predicting the risk of internal mammary artery graft failure and MACCE risk stratification, which is beneficial for the postoperative management of CABG patients and improving their mid-long term prognosis.
ObjectiveTo explore the mid-term outcomes achieved by using the left internal mammary artery to saphenous vein composite grafts in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) for elderly patients. MethodsA total of 59 elderly patients (≥70 years old) underwent OPCAB by using left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to radial artery (RA) or saphenous vein (SV) composite grafts in Xinhua Hospital between March 2006 and October 2012. There was 37 males and 22 females at age of 72.71±1.95 years. Twenty one patients used LIMA-SV composite grafts (LIMA-SV group), and 38 patients used LIMA-RA composite grafts (LIMA-RA group). ResultsAll patients successfully underwent OPCAB with LIMA-SV or LIMA-RA composite grafts. There was one early death in the LIMA-RA group. No statistical differences in early postoperative outcomes were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). During a follow-up of 12 to 91 months, no patient occurred revascularization. There were no statistical differences in overall survival or graft patency rate, and 1 year, 3 years or 5 years survival rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). The patency rate of LIMA in each group was 100% respectively. There was also no statistical difference in overall patency rate of SV and RA between the two groups at the end of 1 year, 3 years or 5 years (P > 0.05). ConclusionAlthough artery grafts are the best choice for OPCAB, LIMA-SV composite grafts can be used as an alternative graft for elderly patients whose RA or right internal mammary artery is not possible or advisable.
Objective To summarize the early outcomes and clinical experience in the use of skeletonized internal mammary artery(IMA) for coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG). Methods From January 2004 to June 2007, a total of 139 patients underwent CABG and received skeletonized arteries in this hospital. Results The number of distal anastomoses was 3.6±1.7,there was no sternal wound infection or thoracic cavity effusion. Two patients died (1.4%), the complications incidence was 5.8%(8/139) lung infections 3 cases, incision infections 2 cases, and low cardiac output syndrome 3 cases.All complications were well treated by using antibiotics, dressing change and positive inotrope, and the follow-up period was 2 to 34 months(20.6±5.9 months); 110 patients were followed up (80.3%). All living patients were free from angina after operation and showed I-II class heart function (New York Heart Association). Conclusion Using skeletonized IMA is? a safe and effective method in CABG.
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of skeletonized and pedicled harvesting of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods From December 2015 to May 2017, 152 patients (128 males, 24 females, age of 56.5±6.8 years) underwent CABG using either skeletonized BIMA (s-BIMA group, n=73) or pedicled BIMA(p-BIMA group, n=79). The operative data and post-operative outcomes were analyzed in the s-BIMA group (61 males, 12 females, age of 56.6±7.0 years) and the p-BIMA group (67 males, 12 females, age of 56.3±6.7 years). Results There was no peri-operative mortality. There was no statistical difference in operative time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time or internal mammary artery graft flow between the two groups. One patient(1.4%) in the s-BIMA group suffered from severe sternal wound complication, which was major sternal wound complication. Five patients (6.3%) in the p-BIMA group suffered from sternal wound complications, including 1(1.3%) with severe complication and 4(5.1%) with minor complication. One(1.4%) patient in the s-BIMA group and 7 (8.9%) patients in the p-BIMA group suffered from chylothorax. The chest tube drainage significantly reduced in the s-BIMA group, both in postoperative day 1(P=0.000) and postoperative day 1-3 (P=0.001). CT angiography showed no stenosis of BIMA in both groups. Conclusion The use of skeletonized BIMA for CABG is safe and efficacious, with less sternal wound complications, chylothorax and chest tube drainage. Skeletonization should be suggested if BIMA is harvested in CABG.
Objective To evaluate the outcome and explore the mechanism of coronary vein bypass grafting （CVBG） performed by anastomosing the right internal mammary artery with the middle cardiac vein via off-pump surgery. Methods Twelve Chinese experimental miniswines （either male or female, age from 7 to 10 months, body weight 40±5 kg） with severely diffuse stenosis in the right coronary artery were randomly divided into control group and experiment group with 6 miniswines in each group, using a random number table method. CVBG was performed in the experiment group and sham surgery was performed in the control group. To assess cardiac function, graft flow, graft patency and micro-circulation reperfusion of ischemia myocardium, following measurements were conducted. Eight weeks after right coronary endarterectomy, transthoracic echocardiography was performed for both groups. Coronary angiography, graft flow and echocardiography were performed or measured 6 hours and 3 months after CVBG or sham surgery. Measurement of myocardial blood flow with non-radioactive colored microspheres was also conducted 3 months after surgery for two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in cardiac function 8 weeks after right coronary endarterectomy between the two groups. There were significant improvements in cardiac systolic and diastolic function （ejection fraction 3 months after operation: 52%±6% vs. 44%±5%, t=-2.500, P=0.031） in the experiment group after CVBG compared with the control group. Graft flow of the experiment group 6 hours and 3 months after CVBG were 44.50±5.86 ml/min and 43.33±5.01ml/min respectively （P=0.718）, and pulsatility index （PI） was 0.73±0.14 and 0.80±0.14 respectively（P=0.858）. Internal mammary artery grafts and the anastomoses were all patent without stenosis, documented by coronary artery angiography for the experiment group 6 hours and 3 months after CVBG. Myocardial flow in all aspects especially in the subendocardial layer, estimated by non-radioactive colored microsphere injection, was significantly higher in the experiment group after CVBG than that of the control group, transmural flow was 0.33±0.05ml/（g • min） vs. 0.19±0.03 ml/（g • min） （P＜0.05）. Conclusion Ischemic conditions of the myocardium can be relieved by CVBG using internal mammary artery in a short-term to medium-term period. The mechanism may be due to improvement of the myocardial micro-circulation.
Objective To evaluate the influence of diabetes on coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA). Methods From December 2015 to August 2017, 182 patients (153 males, 29 females, age of 56.5±6.8 years) underwent CABG using BIMA. The propensity score was used to create matched diabetes (n=66) and non-diabetes (n=66) cohorts. The operative data, post-operative outcomes and coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the diabetes group (53 males, 13 females, age of 57.8±7.2 years) and the non-diabetes group (56 males, 10 females, age of 56.3±6.0 years) were analyzed retrospectively. Results There was no peri-operative mortality. There was no difference in operative sternal wound complication (P=0.466), or graft patency (P=0.730 for internal mammary arteries and 0.684 for saphenous vein grafts) between the matched diabetes and the non-diabetes groups. However, patients with elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (n=54) had more sternal wound complications (P=0.006). The level of Hb1Ac of the patients with sternal wound complication was significantly higher than that of the patients without sternal wound complication. Conclusion BIMA grafting may be performed routinely even in diabetic patients, without increased complications. However, elevated HbA1c level should be avoided to reduce sternal wound complication.
Objective To investigate the safety, efficacy of the surgery and the characteristics of the blood flow after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) to analyze the early operative results, CT results and the graft flow. Methods From December 2015 to July 2016, 52 patients (46 males, 6 females) with an average age of 56.6±6.8 years, underwent CABG using bilateral internal mammary artery. All the operations were carried out under extracorporeal circulation, both internal mammary arteries were obtained with pedicle and the bypass path was designed according to the target vessels. After the anastomosis was completed, the graft flow was measured using Veri Q system. The CT angiography of coronary artery was completed before discharge. Perioperative outcomes, early CT outcomes, and blood flow of grafts were analysed. Results There was no operative mortality. The average operation time was 4.7±0.6 hours, average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 114.8±20.6 minutes, average cross-clamping time was 82.8±17.6 minutes, average mechanical ventilation time was 17.6±10.5 hours and average ICU stay was 2.7±1.8 days. The mean number of distal anastomosis was 4.6±0.8. One patient suffered sternal complication and poor wound healing and then receieved debridement as well as suturing. Other patients discharged without surgical complications. The average flow of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft was 28.1±11.4 ml/min with a mean pulsatility index (PI) of 2.2±0.6. The average flow of right internal mammary artery (RIMA) was 27.3±12.0 ml/min with a mean PI of 2.4± 0.8. The mean flow of great saphenous vein was 41.5±21.5 ml/min with a mean PI of 2.2±0.7. There was no significant difference in the mean flow between LIMA and RIMA (P=0.978). The mean flow of the great saphenous vein was significantly higher than that of RIMA and LIMA (P=0.000). CT angiography showed no stenosis. Distal anastomosis of 7 vein grafts and 5 artery grafts was demonstrated shallow in CT angiography and 2 vein grafts were undemonstrated, suggesting occlusion. Conclusion The use of BIMA for CABG is safe with less complications. RIMA flow is equivalent to LIMA flow. RIMA with no stenosis and occlusion of artery grafts in the early stage, therefore is the ideal and stable coronary bypass graft.