Between May 1999 and August 2001, 231 patients underwent off-pump coronary bypass, of whom 171 required revascularization of the anterior vessels of the heart. They were compared with a group matched for age, sex, and risk factors undergoing revascularization of the same group of vessels under cardiopulmonary bypass. Mortality was comparable in both groups but the incidence of cerebrovascular accident, respiratory insufficiency, and renal failure was less in the off-pump group. Postoperative drainage and blood transfusion requirements were significantly less in the off-pump group. Intensive care and hospital stay were shorter in the off-pump patients. A considerable number of patients are potential candidates for off-pump coronary bypass, the only contraindication being technical limitations. Follow-up at 6 to 24 months indicates that off-pump coronary bypass can be performed safely with a decrease in morbidity and more rapid return to normal lifestyle.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.