ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety of a less traumatic surgical approach in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 70 patients underwent MIDCAB via left anterior small thoracotomy between May 2012 and August 2013. There were 60 male and 10 female patients with a mean age of 56.8±9.2 years (ranged 44-76 years), with single vessel disease (left anterior descending artery) in 42 patients,and double or three vessels disease in 28 patients (include left main vessel disease). ResultsThe procedure were successfully completed in all 70 patients. No operation-related death or complication occurred. The extubation time was 4-16 (9.7±5.2) hours. The ICU time was 10-24(20.8±10.8)hours. They were followed up for 1-14 months. No deaths or angina or myocardial infarction occurred. Postoperative coronary angiography in 17 patients found no restenosis. ConclusionMIDCAB via left anterior small thoracotomy can be performed safely by using the new left internal mammary artery (LIMA) harvesting system.
ObjectiveTo investigate predictive value of intraoperative graft flow measurements during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) for early clinical prognosis. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 133 patients with three-vessel disease who underwent OPCAB in the Department of Cardiac Surgery of People's Hospital of Peking University in 2013 year. There were 103 males and 30 females with mean age of 62.84±7.13 years. Pulsatility index (PI) and mean flow were measured using a flow metre before the end of surgery. Then the total graft flow and the average graft flow were calculated. Univariate, bivariate correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed for statistical analysis. ResultsThe blood flow and PI of LIMA-to-LAD graft was respectively 28.69±16.90 ml/min and 2.70±1.39, and the total graft flow and the average graft flow was respectively 79.94±37.20 ml/min and 35.55±16.75 ml/min. The PI of LIMA-to-LAD graft was significantly correlated with serum cardiac troponin I(cTnI)level in 12 hours, with the highest serum cTnI level within 48 hours, with ICU stay and with ventilator time (P<0.01), but the correlation was not strong(coefficient correlation <0.4). Compared with the patients without perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI), the blood flow of LIMA-to-LAD graft, the total graft flow and the average graft flow were lower in the patients with PMI (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the total graft flow was an independent predictor of PMI (P=0.004, RR=0.950, 95%CI 0.918-0.984). ConclusionIntraoperative graft flow measurements during OPCAB can predict shortterm prognosis. The lower total graft flow is a risk factor for PMI.