Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Surgical Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Treated by Exosome-laden Collagen Patch and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Published on: September 15, 2023
Pulmonary embolism after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery as detected by computed tomography
Jarmo Lahtinen1, Lauri Ahvenjärvi, Fausto Biancari
1Division of Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 21, 90029 Oulu, Finland. faustobiancari@yahoo.it
Background:
The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) after coronary artery bypass surgery is ill defined.
Methods:
Twenty-four patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in a prospective randomized study evaluating a new proximal aortic anastomotic device. Computed tomography was performed postoperatively about 1 week after surgery.
Results:
Computed tomography showed signs of PE in 6 patients (25%), which were bilateral in 2 cases. None of these patients had symptoms or signs of PE or deep venous thrombosis.
Conclusions:
The present findings widen the controversial issue of thromboprophylaxis after cardiac surgery and suggest that low-dose heparin may be indicated after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management