Myocardial preservation with intermittent aortic cross-clamping technique during coronary artery bypass grafting

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intermittent aortic cross-clamping technique for myocardial preservation during coronary artery bypass grafting and to compare the results with other published series using the same technique.

An institution-based analytical study.

Study was carried out from July 1995 to December 1997 at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore.

The data of 100 consecutive patients were analyzed who had coronary artery bypass grafting without cardioplegia using intermittent aortic cross-clamping. All the patients who had emergency or concomitant major surgery, reoperations, and aortic disease with calcification were excluded from this study.

Despite minor complications there was no mortality, no rhythm disturbance or perioperative infarction. Inotropic support was needed in 8% of patients.

Our results compared favourably with other published series using the same technique. These results provide re-assurance that intermittent aortic cross-clamping provides excellent myocardial protection and operative conditions for primary coronary artery bypass. It also provides a simple and safe option for myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass grafting.