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Objective: A manifestation of inflammatory injury to the heart, atrial fibrillation (AF), ranks among the most frequent and potentially life-threatening post-operative complications., Methods: In a prospective randomized study, 120 patients undergoing CABG were allocated into two groups (N = 60): Group 1: Polymethoxyethylacry late-coated circuits + Leukocyte filters (Terumo,USA); Group 2:, Control: Uncoated circuits (Terumo,USA). Each group was further divided into three subgroups (N = 20) with respect to low (Euroscore 0-2), medium (3-5) and high (6+) risk patients., Results: Serum IL-2 levels were significantly lower in the study group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.01). C3a levels showed significant differences in the leukofiltrated group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.05). CPKMB levels demonstrated well-preserved myocardium in the leukofiltration group, post-operatively. AF incidence was 10% (2 patients) in the study and 35% (7 patients) in the control cohorts (p < 0.05). Phagocytic capacity on fibers in filtered patients was significantly lower., Conclusion: Leukofiltration and coating significantly reduce the incidence, ventricular rate, and duration of AF after CABG via modulation of systemic inflammatory response and platelet preservation in high risk groups.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the long-term graft patency between patients who had sequential or individual right posterior descending artery (RPDA) anastomosis., Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty-two patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between June 1994 and December 2003. They were examined retrospectively with respect to coronary angiograghic data. [Group 1] Individually right system grafts in RPDA position (n=139). [Group 2] RPDA anastomosis sequentially with left system (n=103). Patency rates for posterior descending arteries in each group were separately calculated for each vessel quality category., Results: The mean interval from operation to angiography was 50.6+/-48.9 months in group 1 vs 57.5+/-39.2 months in group 2 respectively. The overall patency rate was 66.2% (92/139) in group 1 and 78.6% (81/103) in group 2 (p=0.04). When the RPDA has good run-off capacity, the patency rate was 69.1% in group 1 and 85.2% in group 2., Conclusion: When the RPDA has good run-off capacity, snake grafts show excellent results and right and left coronary systems could be anastomosed sequentially.

Objectives: The relative benefits of strategic leukofiltration on polymer-coated and low-dose heparin protocol on heparin-coated circuits were studied across EuroSCORE patient risk strata for three different cohorts., Methods: In a prospective, randomized study, 270 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were allocated into three groups (n = 90): Group 1 - polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits + leukocyte filters; Group 2 - polypeptide-based heparin-bonded circuits with reduced heparinization; and Group 3--CONTROL: uncoated circuits. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 30), with respect to low- (EuroSCORE 0-2), medium- (3-5), and high- (6+) risk patients. Blood samples were collected at T1: following induction of anesthesia; T2: following heparin administration; T3: 15 min after CPB; T4: before cessation of CPB; T5: 15 min after protamine reversal; and T6: ICU., Results: In high-risk cohorts, leukocyte counts demonstrated significant differences at T4 and T5 in Group 1, and at T4 in Group 2. Platelet counts were preserved significantly better at T4 and T5 in both groups (p < 0.05 versus control). Serum IL-2 and C3a levels were significantly lower at T3, T4 and T5 in Group 1, and T4 and T5 in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Postoperative bleeding, respiratory support time and incidence of atrial fibrillation were lower in the study groups versus control. Cell counts on filter mesh and heparin-coated fibers/ circuits were significantly higher in the high-risk cohorts versus uncoated fibers. Phagocytic capacity increased on filter mesh, especially in high-risk specimens. SEM evaluation demonstrated better preserved coated circuits., Conclusion: Leukofiltration and coating reduced platelet adhesion, protein adsorption, atrial fibrillation and reduced heparinization acted via modulation of systemic inflammatory response in high-risk groups.

This paper describes a patient with an occluded left internal thoracic artery, possibly as a result of the proximal 'steal phenomena', following coronary artery bypass grafting via mini-thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass.

In the years 1994 and 1995, 1087 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution. Of these, 297 were operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass. 239 were male, and 58 were female. Their ages ranged from 28 to 81 years (54.43 +/- 9.63). Of the total, 294 were operated on electively, two as a coronary reoperations, and one as an emergency after a failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedure. In all patients complete revascularization was the aim, and a cardiopulmonary bypass team was kept on standby. Median sternotomy was performed as the exposure in all patients, except a patient who underwent a coronary reoperation through a left thoracotomy incision. The average of the distal anastomoses was 1.51 +/- 0.6, ranging from 1 to 3. The left internal thoracic artery was used in 292 operations, which was an individual graft in 284, a sequential graft in five, and a free graft in four. Major complications in the early postoperative period were noted in three patients as reoperation for excessive bleeding. One patient had reoperation for left internal thoracic artery spasm, and one patient had lower extremity ischemia caused by intraoartic balloon counterpulsation. Hospital mortality was 0.3% with one patient. It is our belief that in selected cases coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe procedure with the advantage of improvement in recovery during the postoperative period.

Coronary bypass surgery in a patient with functioning renal graft is reported. Surgery was carried out using standard operative techniques providing some precautions for renal graft protection: i.e. adequate mean perfusion pressure, volume replacement, and renal outflow during cardiopulmonary bypass, and appropriate prophylactic antibiotic and immunosuppressive therapy. Postoperative course was uneventful and blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were comparable to the preoperative levels. Three months after operation the patient was found to be asymptomatic.