Myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with operative risk factors

We have treated 7 myocardial revascularization cases with operative risk factors, using the beating heart technique without cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative risk factors included left ventricular dysfunction, calcified aorta, chronic renal failure, cerebrovascular accident, immunosupressive state and old age. The 6 males and 1 female ranged in age from 54 to 84 years (mean age 70 years). The mean number of grafts was 1.3 per patient. All were extubated within 3 hours of arrival at the intensive care unit. Inotropic catecholamin support was not necessary on postoperative days. None of our patients had perioperative myocardial infarction. Postoperative angiography showed that all grafts were patent. We have found, based on our experiences, that selected patients can safely undergo CABG without cardiopulmonary support.