A comparison of several variables of off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures versus myocardial revascularization utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass.

An investigation was conducted to compare several variables of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures with those using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for myocardial revascularization by two surgeons. The patients were divided into four groups: group 1 patients received CPB for their myocardial revascularization performed by surgeon A; group 2 patients received the OPCAB procedure performed by surgeon A; group 3 patients received CPB for their myocardial revascularization performed by surgeon B; and group 4 received the OPCAB procedure performed by surgeon B. The same anesthesia technique and postoperative management were employed for all patients in this study. The CPB procedures received the same perfusion circuit and conduct. Postoperative laboratory values, including hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts for the OPCAB groups, were higher than the CPB groups. Chest tube drainage was similar for both the OPCAB and CPB groups, but postoperative urine outputs were significantly higher in the CPB groups for both surgeons. Positive fluid balance was statistically greater in the CPB groups compared to the OPCAB groups for both surgeons. Ventilator times, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and length of hospital stay were not statistically significant for the groups in this study. Postoperative weight gain for both surgeons was higher in the CPB groups. Intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) usage for surgeon B was similar for both the OPCAB and CPB groups, but the OPCAB group for surgeon A had greater intraoperative PRBC usage than the CPB group