Reconstruction Technique Options for Achieving Total Arterial Revascularization and Multiple Arterial Grafting

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and may require coronary revascularization when more severe or symptomatic. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common cardiac surgical procedure and can be performed with different bypass conduits and anastomotic techniques. Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are the most frequently used conduits for CABG, in addition to the left internal thoracic artery. Outcomes with a single internal thoracic artery and SVGs are favorable, and the long-term patency of SVGs may be improved through novel harvesting techniques, preservation methods, and optimal medical therapy. However, increasing evidence points towards the superiority of arterial grafts, especially in the form of multiple arterial grafting (MAG). Nevertheless, the uptake of MAG remains limited and variable, both as a result of technical complexity and a scarcity of conclusive randomized controlled trial evidence. Here, we present an overview of CABG techniques, harvesting methods, and anastomosis types to achieve total arterial revascularization and adopt MAG. We further narratively summarize the available evidence for MAG versus single arterial grafting to date and highlight remaining gaps and questions that require further study to elucidate the role of MAG in CABG.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery versus single internal thoracic artery: a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched observational studies

The lack of benefit in terms of mid-term survival and the increase in the risk of sternal wound complications published in a recent randomized controlled trial have raised concerns about the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) in myocardial revascularization surgery. For this reason, we decided to explore the current evidence available on the subject by carrying out a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus single internal thoracic artery (SITA). PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched for propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus SITA. The generic inverse variance method was used to compute the combined hazard ratio (HR) of long-term mortality. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute the combined risk ratio of 30-day mortality, deep sternal wound infection and reoperation for bleeding. Forty-five BITA versus SITA matched populations were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant benefit in terms of long-term survival in favour of the BITA group [HR 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.86]. These results were consistent with those obtained by a pooled analysis of the matched populations comprising patients with diabetes (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.99). When compared with the use of SITA plus radial artery, BITA did not show any significant benefit in terms of long-term survival (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69-1.07). No differences between BITA and SITA groups were detected in terms of 30-day mortality or in terms of reoperation for bleeding. Compared with the SITA group, patients in the BITA group had a significantly higher risk of deep sternal wound infection (risk ratio 1.66; 95% CI 1.41-1.95) even when the pooled analysis was limited to matched populations in which BITA was harvested according to the skeletonization technique (risk ratio 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.79). The use of BITA provided a long-term survival benefit compared with the use of SITA at the expense of a higher risk of sternal deep wound infection. The long-term survival advantage of BITA is undetectable when compared with SITA plus radial artery.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

The number of patients requiring hemodialysis is continuously increasing around the world. Hemodialysis affects patient quality of life and it is also associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular events. In addition to traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, hemodialysis is associated with hyperphosphatemia, chronic inflammation, vascular calcification, and anemia which accelerate atherosclerosis, vascular stiffness, and cardiac ischemia. Treatment strategy for coronary revascularization in this progressive disease remains controversial. However, a systematic treatment including medical therapy and complete revascularization through a less invasive strategy should be considered in addressing this problem. This review discusses the epidemiology, vascular pathology and current treatment options in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring coronary revascularization.

Outcomes following cardiac surgery in patients with preoperative renal dialysis

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was that whether patients who are dependent on chronic dialysis have higher morbidity and mortality rates than the general population when undergoing cardiac surgery. These patients often require surgery in view of their heightened risk of cardiac disease. Altogether 278 relevant papers were identified using the below mentioned search, 16 papers represented the best evidence to answer the question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses were tabulated. Dialysis-dependent (DD) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacement have higher morbidity but acceptable outcomes. There is some evidence to show that outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) are better than after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB) and that results are worse in DD patients with diabetic nephropathy. Patients undergoing combined procedures have a higher mortality.