Anesthesia for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Off-pump coronary artery bypass presents special challenges for the anesthesiologist and surgeon, who must work closely together to provide optimal care. Displacement and immobilization of the heart for exposure of the coronary arteries, as well as occlusion of these vessels, can result in periods of significant hemodynamic instability. Appropriate preparation, guided therapy, and technical maneuvers can lessen such adverse hemodynamic impact. It is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of the special problems associated with this surgery, as well as the different therapies and maneuvers that can be useful in providing the best possible care. As surgeons develop greater expertise and better devices for the management of these patients, the number of coronary revascularizations without CPB is likely to increase.